Behaviour

The world's largest living rodent, capybara live in groups of up to 40 animals, mainly by the side of or in rivers and lakes, where they feed on grasses and aquatic plants.

Well adapted to aquatic life - they can stay under water for up to five minutes - they have webbed feet and a short bristly coat. They are excellent swimmers and also progresses by walking under water over the bottom of lakes and rivers.

Traditionally active during the day - though has become nocturnal in some areas of increasing human activety.

When alarmed, capybara bark loudly and leap into the water in search of safety.

Diet

Capybara eat grasses, aquatic plants, roots, melons, bark and grains.

Reproduction

Capybaras mate in the water. They give birth on land to 2 to 8 young after a 140 day gestation. Like other rodents, the young develop quickly and are soon independent. They are fully mature at about 18 months.

Dimensions

Length: 1 meter

Height: 400 to 600cms

Weight: 30 to 80kgs

Range & Habitat

Found from Panama, through South America east of the Andes, to northern Argentina

Inhabits densely vegetated, swampy areas near rivers, lakes and ponds.

Description

Their eyes and ears are at the top of their heads so that they can protrude out of the water whilst they are swimming. Their hair is coarse and a yellowish-brown colour. They have rounded bodies and short legs.

Conservation

Not endangered, although it has disappeared from some of its former range due to over-hunting.