FEEDING STRATEGY OF COYPU (MYOCASTOR-COYPUS) IN CENTRAL WESTERN FRANCE

The diet of coypu (Myocastor coypus) on two sites in a managed marsh was investigated by field observations and microscopic analysis of faeces. The habitat is mainly grazing pasture and over 51% of the plant fragments recovered from faeces were leaves of Graminaceae. Other food included hydrophytes, Cyperaceae, dicotyledons, flowers and seeds of Graminaceae and various roots. The mean annual diet of coypu was similar at both sites and showed moderate interannual variations. Relative proportions of different food varied with season and availability. Hydrophytes, mostly Lemnaceae, were preferentially selected in late summer and atumn. Coypu fed on roots during winter, particularly in periods of exceptional food shortage due to flooding and severe frost. Even when crops were available, coypu utilized a wide range of food. The study shows the importance of feeding strategy in the ability of coypu to colonize new habitats, particularly those which are man-made.