Coypu Coypu The coypu (, ; "Myocastor coypus"), also known as the nutria, is a large, herbivorous, semiaquatic rodent. Classified for a long time as the only member of the family Myocastoridae, "Myocastor" is actually nested within Echimyidae, the family of the spiny rats. The coypu lives in burrows alongside stretches of water, and feeds on river plant stems. Originally native to subtropical and temperate South America, it has since been introduced to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, primarily by fur farmers. Although it is still valued for its fur in some regions, its destructive feeding and burrowing behaviours make
Alan (given name) century, where it was about even with "Simon", and more numerous than "Henry". Early occurrences of the name in British records include: "Alanus" in 1066 (in the "Domesday Book"); and "Alain" in 1183. The name became popular in Scotland in part through the Stewarts. This family descends from Alan fitz Flaad, an Anglo-Breton knight, who possessed lands in what is modern day Shropshire, England. Alan (given name) Alan is a masculine given name in the English language. There are numerous differing etymologies attributed to the name. The name was first introduced into England by Bretons who took part in the