Status of coypu control in Hyogo Prefecture

Abstract

The alien rodent coypu (Myocastor coypus) was introduced into Japan as a domestic animal for its fur. Here we report on its rapid range expansion and the agricultural damage it has caused in Hyogo Prefecture. According to the results of a questionnaire survey, coypu have inflicted damage or been sighted in 2349 of 4195 agricultural communities in 2007. This year, 1007 individuals were culled mainly for nuisance control. The efforts at nuisance control have been less intense than that those against the raccoon (Procyon lotor), a more destructive alien mammal.