Ultimate Guide to Capybara: All You Need to Know!

Here's a comprehensive overview of capybaras:

Overview

Scientific Name: Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (greater capybara) and Hydrochoerus isthmius (lesser capybara).
Classification: Capybaras belong to the family Hydrochaeridae and are classified under the order Rodentia.
Physical Characteristics: They have a barrel-shaped body, short legs, and slightly webbed feet. Their fur is reddish-brown on top and yellowish-brown underneath. They lack a tail and have a blunt snout.

Size and Weight

Length: Typically between 3.48 to 4.40 feet (106 to 134 cm).
Height: About 20 to 24 inches (50 to 62 cm) at the shoulder.
Weight: Ranges from 77 to 146 pounds (35 to 66 kg), with some individuals reaching up to 201 pounds.

Habitat and Distribution

Native Range: Found throughout much of South America, excluding Chile.
Habitat: Inhabit areas near bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, swamps, and marshes.

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Herbivores, primarily feeding on grasses, aquatic plants, and during dry seasons, they eat reeds, grains, melons, and squashes.
Behavior: Highly social animals, often living in groups of 10 to 100 individuals. They are excellent swimmers and can stay underwater for up to five minutes.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Breeding: Females typically give birth to litters of up to eight pups after a gestation period of about five to six months.
Lifespan: In the wild, they live up to 7 to 10 years, and in captivity, they can live up to 12 years.

Conservation Status

IUCN Status: The greater capybara is listed as Least Concern, while there is insufficient data for the lesser capybara.
Threats: Main threats include habitat destruction, hunting for meat and hide, and poaching.

Interesting Facts

Vocalizations: Capybaras are vocal and make various sounds like purring, barking, and whistling.
Ecological Role: They play a significant role in their ecosystems, helping to disperse seeds and maintain vegetation structure.