The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest living rodent species in the world, often growing to the size of a small pig. Many people interested in the diverse wildlife of Central America, specifically Costa Rica, frequently inquire about this unique, semi-aquatic mammal. Capybaras are not considered native or wild animals within the borders of Costa Rica.
The Natural Range of the Capybara
The capybara’s natural habitat is confined entirely to South America, thriving in environments that offer both water and grazing land. Its geographic distribution covers a vast area, including nearly all countries on the continent, with the exception of Chile. Large populations are found across Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru.
This semi-aquatic mammal requires constant proximity to water bodies, inhabiting savannas, forests, and wetlands along rivers and marshes. The northern boundary of the capybara’s continuous wild range is typically the region where Central America meets South America, such as Panama and parts of Colombia. While the Lesser Capybara (Hydrochoerus isthmius) is found in Panama, the larger species’ range does not naturally extend north into Costa Rica.
Capybara Status in Costa Rica
The capybara has a definitive non-native status within the Costa Rican ecosystem, meaning it has not established a self-sustaining wild population. The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) does not list the capybara as part of its indigenous fauna. Isolated reports of the animal’s presence are generally attributed to human activity, not natural migration or wild residency.
It is possible to find a capybara in a highly controlled, non-wild setting, such as a licensed zoological park or a dedicated rescue center. Extremely rare instances occur where animals are illegally trafficked into the country for the exotic pet trade. For example, a recent case involved the seizure of five trafficked capybaras, which reinforced the species’ non-native status and led to their relocation to a conservation refuge.
Costa Rica’s Native Large Rodents
While the capybara is absent from the wild, Costa Rica is home to several other large rodents that occupy a similar ecological niche. These species are sometimes mistaken for the capybara by visitors. The two most notable large native rodents are the Central American Agouti and the Paca, both significantly smaller than the capybara.
The Central American Agouti
The Central American Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata) is one of the most visible native rodents, often seen during the day in forested areas. Agoutis have a coarse, glossy coat that ranges from reddish-orange to dark brown, and they possess long, slender legs for quick movement. They typically weigh between 1.0 and 4.0 kilograms, reaching up to 62 centimeters in length.
These animals are accomplished seed dispersers, burying seeds and nuts throughout the forest floor. The agouti’s preferred habitats include tropical forests, thick brush, and cultivated areas, often found close to water sources. They are active during the day, using their sharp senses to find fallen fruits and other vegetation.
The Paca
Another prominent native rodent is the Paca (Cuniculus paca), known locally as the tepezcuintle. This rodent is larger than the agouti, with adults weighing between 6 and 14 kilograms and measuring up to 77 centimeters long. The paca is distinctive for its dark brown coat marked with three to five rows of white spots running along its sides.
The paca is a solitary and primarily nocturnal animal, making it harder to observe in the wild compared to the diurnal agouti. They inhabit various forest types, including mangrove swamps and tropical rainforests. They typically dig simple burrows with multiple exit points near streams or rivers. A unique feature of the paca is its enlarged cheekbones, which act as resonating chambers to amplify vocalizations.