Capybara World

What is a Capybara?

The capybara is the largest living rodent native to South America. The capybara inhabits savannas and dense forests, and lives near bodies of water. It is a highly social species and can be found in groups as large as 100 individuals, but usually live in groups of 10–20 individuals. The capybara is hunted for its meat and hide and also for grease from its thick fatty skin.

Description of the capybara:

• Heavy, barrel-shaped body and short head
• Reddish-brown fur on the upper part of its body that turns yellowish-brown underneath.
• Capybaras have slightly webbed feet and vestigial tails.
• Their hind legs are slightly longer than their forelegs; they have three toes on their rear feet and four toes on their front feet.
• Their muzzles are blunt, with nostrils, and the eyes and ears are near the top of their heads.

Ecology

Capybaras are semiaquatic mammals found throughout all countries of South America except Chile. They live in densely forested areas near bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, swamps, ponds, and marshes, as well as flooded savannah and along rivers in the tropical rainforest. They are superb swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes at a time.

Popularity

Izu Shaboten Zoo and other zoos in Japan have prepared hot spring baths for capybaras. Video clips of the bathing capybaras have gained millions of views. The capybaras have influenced an anime character named Kapibara-san.