Capybaras are not found in the wild in Arizona. These large rodents, known for their semi-aquatic nature, are native to South America. The largest living rodent, capybaras are characterized by their barrel-shaped body, short head, and reddish-brown fur. They can weigh over 100 pounds and stand about two feet tall at the shoulder.
Capybara’s Natural World
Capybaras primarily inhabit South America, with their range extending across countries like Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Argentina, typically east of the Andes. They require large, permanent bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, swamps, ponds, and marshes, alongside grassy areas for grazing.
Water is essential for their survival. They use water for thermoregulation, immersing themselves to cool down in warm climates, as their coarse fur provides limited insulation. When threatened by predators like jaguars, caimans, or anacondas, capybaras frequently escape into water, capable of holding their breath for up to five minutes. Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are positioned on top of their heads, allowing them to remain mostly submerged while still monitoring their surroundings for danger.
Their diet mainly consists of grasses and aquatic plants, consuming 6 to 8 pounds of fresh grass daily. Capybaras are highly social, living in groups of 10 to 20 individuals, though larger aggregations can form during dry seasons around dwindling water sources. They communicate through various vocalizations and scent markings, and group living provides protection and aids in foraging.
Arizona’s Distinct Landscape
Arizona’s environment contrasts significantly with the habitat requirements of capybaras. The state has arid and semi-arid climates, with vast desert landscapes. While Arizona experiences warm temperatures, often soaring above 100°F in summer, it lacks the widespread, consistent aquatic environments that capybaras need for survival and thermoregulation.
Although Arizona has rivers and lakes, many are located within deep canyons or are seasonal, which does not provide the expansive, continuous aquatic access capybaras require. The state’s average annual precipitation is low, ranging from 3 to 40 inches depending on elevation, leading to dry conditions. The vegetation in Arizona’s deserts, such as saguaro cacti and creosote, is adapted to arid conditions and differs greatly from the lush grasses and aquatic plants that form the primary diet of capybaras.