capybara

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest living rodent and a semi-aquatic mammal native to South America. It forms social groups and feeds mainly on vegetation.

Capybaras have a stocky body, typically about 106 cm long and weighing 35–66 kg. Their coarse fur is brownish gray; they have partially webbed feet, enabling efficient swimming. Eyes, ears, and nostrils are positioned high on the head, allowing them to stay largely submerged while watching for danger.

They are found in a wide range of habitats—from savannas to dense forests—near rivers, lakes, and wetlands across much of eastern and central South America, in countries such as Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay.

Capybaras are highly social, often living in groups of 10–20 or more. They are good swimmers and can stay underwater for several minutes. They communicate with a variety of vocalizations and scent marking. They are primarily herbivorous, grazing on grasses and aquatic plants, and may supplement with fruits or bark.

Breeding can occur year-round in favorable conditions. Gestation lasts about 145–150 days, with litters of 2–8 offspring. Newborn capybaras are mobile and can swim within hours of birth.

Predators include jaguars, pumas, caimans, and anacondas. Humans hunt capybaras for meat and hides, and habitat loss can affect local populations. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its broad range and large populations.

Capybaras belong to genus Hydrochoerus, family Caviidae. Some classifications recognize a closely related lesser capybara (Hydrochoerus isthmius) as a separate species or subspecies.