The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the world’s largest living rodent, instantly recognizable by its barrel-shaped body and short head. This highly social, semi-aquatic species is native to South America, spanning nearly every country on the continent except for Chile. They thrive near permanent bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, marshes, and swamps. These water sources are necessary for regulating their body temperature and evading predators.
Understanding Capybara Movement
The simple answer to whether capybaras migrate is no; they do not engage in the long-distance, predictable, and cyclical journeys that define true ecological migration. Capybara movement is instead characterized by localized dispersal and shifts in range driven by immediate environmental changes. These movements are typically short-distance relocations to find resources, not a predetermined, seasonal route. The misconception of migration likely stems from their highly visible movement during times of resource scarcity.
Typical Home Range and Territory
Capybaras are social animals, usually living in groups of 10 to 20 individuals led by a dominant male. Under stable conditions, they maintain a relatively small home range, often between 5 and 20 hectares (12 to 50 acres). This range is centered around a permanent water source. Their daily movements are restricted, with most activity occurring within 500 meters of water.
These rodents are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. They forage on land for grasses and aquatic plants. They move along established paths, preferring to walk in a straight line between their grazing areas and the safety of the water.
Seasonal Resource Shifts
The most pronounced movement in capybara populations occurs in response to environmental changes between wet and dry seasons. During the rainy season, water and food are abundant, allowing groups to disperse and maintain smaller territories. As the dry season approaches, temporary water sources vanish, and peripheral grazing areas dry up.
This resource scarcity forces capybaras to abandon their usual ranges and congregate near the remaining permanent water bodies. These forced movements lead to the formation of much larger, temporary herds, sometimes aggregating up to 30 to 100 individuals. Their diet also shifts, moving from preferred grasses to less palatable options like reeds, grains, or cultivated crops. This aggregation is a survival mechanism, but it is not a planned, cyclical migration.