The Coypu (Myocastor coypus) – also known as the nutria – is a large semi-aquatic rodent which is native to South America but has been introduced to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, primarily by fur ranchers. Coypus live in burrows alongside stretches of water. They feed on river plant stems. The genus name Myocastor derives from two ancient greek words meaning "rat, mouse", and kastor meaning beaver - so it is a beaver rat.