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October 14, 2021 Comments (0) Fauna

The Capybara

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrocharis) holds the title as the largest rodent in the world and one of the oddest of any animal. A giant relative of the guinea pig, Capybaras can weigh over 100 pounds and despite their fur and boxy frame are aquatic, always living near fresh water in their habitats which ranges from Central America to most of South America.

This aquatic lifestyle means Capybaras are usually lounging all day in and around the water while chewing their favorite grasses.

Capybaras are very social and can live in large groups of up to a hundred. For Capybaras water is a way of life which is exhibited by their webbed feet that makes for easy swimming and walking on mud.

When alarmed they flee towards water and even submerge themselves for up to five minutes hoping that danger will pass.

This can work when chased by Jaguars, but isn’t such a great strategy when the World’s largest snake, the Anaconda is hungry, he’ll just swim up and slowly devour his prey. (Sorry, Capybara!)

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