In the heart of the Patagonian steppe, a shy but vital creature is returning to its place in the wetlands of northwest Santa Cruz. We are talking about the **coipo or Southern river otter** (*Myocastor coypus*), a native semiaquatic rodent that, thanks to the restoration work carried out by **Parque Patagonia**, is beginning to regain territory and quietly weave new [ecological connections](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/chubut-avistaron-un-tiburon-azul-nadando-en-el-area-protegida-punta-marques/).
Weighing up to 9 kilograms, with **a thick waterproof coat and a long, sturdy tail**, the coipo is a key species in aquatic ecosystems. “It’s like an architect of the wetland,” explained Emanuel Jaquier, from the park’s conservation team. Their life in the reeds not only shapes the environment but also **creates corridors and burrows that other species use as shelter or breeding grounds**. Their presence promotes water circulation and improves its quality, turning it into a true indicator of environmental health.
After years without records, **eight individuals were reintroduced in 2021** in the Unco area, within the Cañadón Caracoles. The results were soon evident: by 2024, 15 marked individuals and at least 10 offspring were identified. The releases also extended to the Pinturas River, strengthening the population in different areas of the park. Some camera traps captured movements **up to 32 kilometers downstream**, showcasing the adaptive and exploratory capacity of these animals.
The restoration work is not limited to the coipo. It includes actions such as **channeling springs, controlling exotic species**—such as the American mink—and removing obsolete livestock structures. These measures not only benefit the coipo but also a diverse community that includes birds such as **the Many-colored Rush Tyrant, the Austral Rail, and mammals** like foxes, guanacos, and small rodents.
## **The return of the coipo, a unique and special achievement**
However, the future of these environments remains threatened by overgrazing, watercourse alterations, and the [introduction of invasive species](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/especies-invasoras-el-desequilibrio-biologico-causado-por-la-actividad-humana/). That’s why Jaquier emphasizes the importance of sustaining **combined actions** aimed at both improving habitat and reducing threats.
The return of the coipo is more than a conservation achievement. It is a sign of hope: when ecosystems are restored and given the opportunity to heal, nature responds. Quiet and hidden among the reeds, **the coipo reminds us that life always finds a way back**.
## **What are the characteristics of this species?**
The coipo (*Myocastor coypus*) is **a large semiaquatic rodent native to South America**. It resembles a large and robust rat, with several characteristics:
– **Size:** Average of 86 cm in length and 5 to 10 kg in weight.
– **Fur:** Yellowish-brown or reddish, with many long and thick hairs.
– **Tail:** Cylindrical and sparsely furred.
– **Hands and feet:** Covered with webbed membranes.
– **Head:** Large, with a triangular profile, with vibrissae, which are stiff and sensitive hairs acting as tactile organs in many animals.
– **Eyes and ears:** Small and located on the top of the head.
– **Diet:** Grasses, shrubs, roots, and tubers.
– **Habitat:** Wetlands, lagoons, rivers, lakes, and marshes.
– **Structures:** Subterranean shelters with underwater entrances, floating platforms.
The coipo is an aquatic mammal like the beaver, but unlike the beaver, it does not have a tail shaped like a paddle. This species is found in **Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay**, while in **Chile**, it inhabits between Coquimbo and Magallanes. Furthermore, it is considered an invasive species in the **United States and Spain**.
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