Feeding habits of coypu (Myocastor coypus Molina 1978) in the wetlands of the Southern region of Brazil

The aim of this study was to determine the diet of coypu (Myocastor coypus) in two areas (Santa Isabel do Sul wetlands – Area 1, and Santa Marta Farm – Area 2) in the Southern region of Brazil, using microhistological analyses of feces. Twenty-four plant species were identified from collected feces samples. Among the identified species, nine are common in the animals ’ diet in both areas; the presence of Oriza sativa was not detected in any of the samples. Among the identified species, 84 % and 54 % of the coypu’s diet from Areas 1 and 2, respectively, are aquatic plants. Poaceae family was most common, being found in 82 % of the samples from both areas. Paspalum disthichum (Area 1) and Panicum tricholaenoides (Area 2) were the most frequent species on the coypu’s diet. The diet comparison for both areas indicates that feeding habits vary depending on the type of habitat, environmental conditions and food availability. The absence of rice in our analysis may be an indication for the preservation of native areas around watercourses, so as to prevent coypu from invading irrigated crops. Key words: coypu, diet, food selection, herbivore