An update on the known distribution and status of the coypu (Myocastor coypus) in Austria

Abstract

The coypu is a semiaquatic rodent, native to South America and introduced to many parts of the world, mainly due to fur farming and as zoo animal. Nowadays, it is widely distributed in Europe, forming many invasive populations; thus, the species is listed as being of European Union concern according to the EU invasive alien species regulation. Here, we provide an update on the known status and distribution of the coypu in Austria since Spitzenberger (2001), presenting known occurrence records and additionally hunting bag data from the federal state of Styria. We derived 197 spatially explicit records, ranging from 1930 to 2021 and covering all nine federal states of Austria. Currently, the coypu is established in at least three federal states (Burgenland, Lower Austria, Styria) and probably also in Vorarlberg, with its main distribution in the lowlands of eastern to south-eastern Austria. We show a significant relationship between annual fluctuations in hunting bag data and the preceding winter temperatures suggesting that harsh winters might have a regulatory effect on Austrian coypu populations. Further, we emphasize the importance of monitoring and field surveys, not only for a detailed assessment of its distribution, but also to clarify potential metapopulation dynamics with occurrences in neighbouring countries. This is essential for future management, especially in the light of its declaration as invasive alien species of European Union concern.