Capybara

About...

Scientific name: Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris

Class: Mammamlia

Order: Rodentia

Family: Hydrochaeridae

Size: Males 77-140 lbs; females 80-145 lbs; 3-4’ long; 20-24” high

Maturity: 15 months

Mating: Generally April and May

Gestation: 120-150 days (4-5 months)

No. of Young: 1-8 but usually 4 per litter

Lifestyle: Groups of 10-100 (usually 20); usually diurnal (active during daytime)

Diet: Aquatic plants, grasses, tree bark, grains, fruits

Lifespan: 8-10 years in the wild; up to 12 in captivity

Range: East of the Andes Mountains, from Central American to northern Argentina.

Because the capybara is capable of reaching 150 pounds, it bears the distinction of being the world’s largest rodent. Capybara, meaning ‘master of the grasses,’ in the Guarani Indian language, is also known as a ‘water pig’ or ‘water hog.’ They live in forests near streams, marshes and lakes where they take refuge under water if threatened. Nose, eats and eyes located near the top of their head allow for almost total submersion while maintaining awareness above the water. Nostrils close and eats fold back before complete immersion to keep water out. Webbed toes help propel this semi-aquatic mammal quite effectively through the water.

Capybaras are commercially raised for meat and leather in South America. Wild Capybaras are hunted for these reasons too, but mostly to eliminate them as agricultural pests. Capybaras compete with livestock for graze particularly during dry periods and can devastate a crop of sugar cane, watermelon, corn or any garden produce. Some South American countries have now outlawed capybara hunting. Jaguars and anacondas are the capybara’s primary natural predators.