Common coypu predation on unionid mussels and terrestrial plants in an invaded Japanese river

Abstract

The coypu (Myocastor coypus) is a semi-aquatic herbivorous rodent that has been suspected to prey on freshwater unionid mussels in Japan. Fecal DNA metabarcoding that targeted bivalves and terrestrial plants was performed to examine the diet of exotic coypu in the Kiso River, central Japan. Thirty-two fecal samples from four floodplain waterbodies were collected seasonally. In one of the waterbodies, live and dead mussels were investigated to examine the possible effects of coypu predation on mussel population structures. Common coypu predation on unionid mussels was confirmed in two waterbodies. Midden surveys showed that medium-to large-sized mussels tended to be consumed by coypu; possibly resulting in population structures with few large-sized individuals. Seasonal diet selection of terrestrial plants was also detected: two perennial plants were consumed throughout the year, whereas some perennial plants were consumed seasonally. The number of terrestrial plant species/taxa as primary food was higher in summer than in winter, which was attributed to the high consumption of annual plants in the summer. Future studies need to examine the exhaustive diet of coypu including other animals and plants, as well as its effects on freshwater ecosystems in invaded regions.