Fast Facts: Capybara

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Would you believe that this giant, barrel-shaped creatures is related to the tiny household guinea pig?

 

The Capybara:  Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris

Description: The Capybara is the world's largest type of rodent, around 3-4 feet in length with reddish-brown fur. Although unseen in the picture above, the Capybara also has a tail and slightly webbed feet, making it adept at swimming. They are actually semi-aquatic animals and can hold their breath for up to five minutes!

Habitat: Capybaras live in densely forested areas that have a water source nearby, such as ponds, marshes, and swamps.  They can be found all over South America with the exception of Chile. 

Diet: Capybaras are herbivores and grazers; their diet is composed of grass, aquatic plants, and occasionally fruit. Over 80% of their diet is grass. The Capybara's front teeth are able to graze shorter grass types that cattle and other animals are unable to eat. In addition, Capybaras often regurgitate their food and chew it again while resting.

Behavior: Capybaras are social and live in groups from 10 to 100, although the maximum number of Capybaras in one group is usually around 20. During the dry season, groups will consist of more Capybaras than in the wet season. Each group consists of dominant and subdominant males, females, and offspring. When possible, they spend most of their time in the water; submerging themselves in water is actually a tactic to escape predators. The hierarchy structure of Capybara groups is very stable, lasting for years. Similarly, Capybara territory markings stay the same year after year. 

Conservation Status: Least Concern; habitat loss affects this species to an extent, but more so its predators, whose numbers are dropping due to habitat loss. This has allowed the Capybara population to grow in recent years. 

Unique Traits: The Capybara is an unusual rodent in the fact that its sweat glands are located in the surface of the hairy portions in its skin. There's also no distinguishable difference between the guard and down hair of the Capybara, making it easy for a Capybara to get sunburn; this is why Capybaras often spend time submerged in cool water. In addition, Capybaras are quite friendly with other species, like birds and monkeys. These creatures sometimes sit on top of a Capybara and play around with its fur, not to the annoyance of the Capybara itself.  



Brazil A Capybara (hydrochoerus Photograph by Ralph H. Bendjebar | Fine Art America

Diet & Feeding - Capybaras (Hydrochoerus spp.) Fact Sheet - LibGuides at International Environment Library Consortium

Capybara - Wikipedia

The Cabybara – 10 Facts About the World's Largest Rodent - WorldAtlas


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