The Current Distribution of the Coypu (Myocastor coypus) in Záhorie Region (Slovakia)

Abstract

Abstract Since its introduction in the 19th century, the coypu was able to spread and colonise numerous parts of Europe. Our research focused mainly on the topic of the spatiotemporal distribution of an invasive rodent, Myocastor coypus (Molina, 1782), in selected sites of Záhorie region. The study took place in three phases – 2016/2017, 2018/2019 and 2020/2021/2022. It was carried out through two research methods – photo traps and tracking rafts on eight study locations of Záhorie region. From all the positive registrations of this invasive species, we generated a map representation of their spatial distribution and compared it with older data. In the course of the study, the coypu was found in all 14 study areas. Moreover, we describe the process of coypu expansion on the water course Stupavský potok. During our research, we managed to describe the interactions between the coypu and the Eurasian beaver and we documented the first case of coypu predation on unionid mussels in Slovakia. We hope that this study will help in our efforts to mitigate the negative impact of coypu and to prevent its further spread.