Mammals

NAS logo - click to go to the NAS home page One of the few known nonindigenous mammals (Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia) is the nutria, Myocastor coypus (pic 102k). It is found in and around fresh and salt water ponds and swamps. Nutrias were initially introduced into North America and farmed for their fur. Since their introduction, some animals have escaped these farms and established localized breeding populations from Texas to Virginia and in the Great Lakes area. Presently, they are considered to be a pest species in some areas, disrupting irrigation systems and destroying native aquatic vegetation and crops. Additionally, by disturbing the balance of the native biota they provide an advantage for non-native plant species to become established.
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Data Queries and Species Lists

Mammal Picture Data Queries
Species List of Nonindigenous Mammals
(links to species profiles and collection information)


 

Disclaimer:

The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2024]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [10/29/2024].

Contact us if you are using data from this site for a publication to make sure the data are being used appropriately and for potential co-authorship if warranted.

For general information and questions about the database, contact Wesley Daniel. For problems and technical issues, contact Matthew Neilson.