Capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, are not found in Africa, despite common misconceptions. They are native to South America, thriving in environments suited to their semi-aquatic lifestyle.
Where Capybaras Live
Capybaras are native to South America, inhabiting nearly all countries across the continent, from Panama through parts of Central America to Argentina and Uruguay. These large rodents are semi-aquatic mammals, spending significant time both on land and in water.
Their preferred environments are savannas, dense forests, and various wetlands. Capybaras consistently live near bodies of water, including rivers, lakes, swamps, ponds, and marshes. Abundant water is essential for their survival, providing opportunities for drinking, resting, and foraging. Regions like the Pantanal in Brazil, the Llanos in Venezuela, and the Orinoco River Basin are well-known habitats for capybaras due to their extensive wetlands.
Understanding the Capybara
Capybaras possess a barrel-shaped body, a short head, and reddish-brown fur. As the largest rodent species, adult capybaras typically measure between 106 to 134 centimeters (3.48 to 4.40 feet) in length and stand 50 to 62 centimeters (20 to 24 inches) tall at the shoulder. They generally weigh between 35 and 66 kilograms (77 to 146 pounds), though some individuals, particularly females, can reach weights up to 91 kilograms (201 pounds).
These animals are well-adapted for their semi-aquatic existence. Their feet are partially webbed, which aids in swimming and helps them navigate muddy terrain. Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are positioned high on their heads, allowing them to remain almost entirely submerged while still being able to see, hear, and breathe. When threatened, a capybara can hold its breath underwater for up to five minutes to evade predators.
Capybaras are highly social animals that live in groups. While group sizes typically range from 10 to 20 individuals, they can gather in larger aggregations of up to 100 during dry seasons when water sources become scarce. Within these groups, there is often a dominant male that leads the herd, and females engage in cooperative care of the young. They communicate through various vocalizations, including barks, whistles, and purrs, and also use scent markings.
As herbivores, capybaras primarily graze on grasses and aquatic plants. An adult capybara can consume between 2.7 to 3.6 kilograms (6 to 8 pounds) of fresh grass daily. Their diet also includes fruits, tree bark, reeds, grains, melons, and squashes, especially during the dry season when their usual forage is less available. Capybaras engage in autocoprophagy, consuming their own feces to assist in digesting cellulose and extracting additional nutrients.