Capybara

Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris

The capybara is the world’s largest rodent! It is native to South America and can be found prowling the edges of muddy swamps, swimming in jungle ponds and feeding in flooded grasslands.

They are herbivores, eating mainly grasses, herbs and aquatic plants. They consume a wide variety of vegetation, such as grasses and bark, and prefer plants rich in water and fibre. Although their diet is varied, they have seasonal preferences and tend to eat more aquatic plants during the rainy season, while in the dry season they adapt to whatever is available.

They mainly inhabit tropical and subtropical areas of South America. They prefer to live near water, so they are often found in rivers, lagoons, marshes and wetlands in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Colombia. These semi-aquatic rodents adapt well to humid environments, where they swim easily and take refuge from the heat. Their habitat allows them easy access to aquatic and terrestrial plants.

¿Did you know?

They are extremely peaceful animals and usually live in large groups that can include between 10 and 20 individuals, although groups of up to 100 have been seen when food and water are plentiful. They also have a great capacity to coexist with other species: it is common to see birds, turtles and even monkeys interacting or resting on them.