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Scientific Name : Hydrochaerus hydrochaeris
Capybaras are found in Central and South America.
They live in marshes, swamps and wooded areas near lakes and rivers. They dig shallow holes in the ground in which to hide.
Capybaras eat aquatic plants (plants which grow in water), grains and fruit.
Jaguars, caimans, ocelots, harpy eagles and anacondas (huge constrictor snakes) hunt capybaras. In many areas people hunt them too, causing the capybara to become nocturnal (active at night) in areas populated by humans.
Between 1 and 8 young are born each year. They are covered with hair at birth and are able to see, walk and eat almost straight away. Capybaras live in groups of about 20 adults and their young.
The capybara's thin, coarse hair gives protection from scratches without causing the animal to get too hot. In hot sun, however, the skin can easily dry out, which is why capybaras like to wallow in mud or rest in the shade.
Capybaras are hard to see in the water because only their eyes, ears and nostrils show. They can also hold their breath underwater for several minutes - very useful if a jaguar is after you!
Capybaras are rodents (same animal group as guinea pigs, mice, squirrels etc). In fact they are the world's largest rodents! All rodents have front teeth which never stop growing, so they must gnaw on hard things to wear them down.
Facts and Figures |
|
Name |
capybara |
Type of animal |
mammal |
Where found |
South America |
Habitat |
marshland |
Diet |
herbivorous |
Average length |
100 cm |
Average weight |
48 kg |
Average number of young per year |
4 |
Gestation |
145 days |
Maximum lifespan |
10 years |