What invasive rodent species is known for disrupting North American ecosystems?

Nutria, also known as coypu, is recognized as an invasive rodent species that significantly disrupts ecosystems in North America. Originally from South America, nutria were introduced in the United States for fur farming, but they escaped into the wild and established populations in various regions, particularly in wetlands.

Nutria are highly destructive due to their feeding habits, which involve consuming large amounts of vegetation and roots, leading to marsh erosion and loss of habitat for native wildlife. Their burrowing can further destabilize wetlands, causing significant ecological damage. In some areas, they outcompete native species for food and habitat, leading to declines in those populations.

In contrast, the other species listed, such as the kangaroo rat, marmot, and muskrat, do not have the same level of disruptive impact on North American ecosystems. While they may have localized effects, they are not categorized as invasives with such widespread and severe consequences as nutria.