The chiguiro, also known as the capybara, is the world’s largest living rodent. Its considerable size and unique appearance frequently surprise those unfamiliar with the species. This semi-aquatic mammal presents a fascinating blend of features, setting it apart from smaller, more typical rodents. Its adaptations allow it to navigate and flourish within its diverse habitats.
Defining the Chiguiro
The chiguiro, formally identified as Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, is the world’s largest living rodent. It belongs to the family Caviidae, which also encompasses smaller cavies such as guinea pigs. This species is primarily native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South America, with a broad distribution extending east of the Andes Mountains. Its natural range covers many countries, including Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil. The consistent presence of water sources across these regions is a defining characteristic of their habitat. While known internationally as the capybara, “chiguiro” is a common local name, particularly prevalent in Colombia and Venezuela, distinguishing it by its regional identity.
Physical Traits and Adaptations
Chiguiros are characterized by their robust, barrel-shaped bodies, which can reach lengths of 106 to 134 centimeters (3.48 to 4.40 feet) and stand 50 to 62 centimeters (20 to 24 inches) tall at the shoulder. Adult individuals typically weigh between 35 to 66 kilograms (77 to 146 pounds), with some larger females recorded at over 90 kilograms (200 pounds). Their fur, ranging from reddish-brown to yellowish-brown, is coarse and somewhat sparse, lacking the dense undercoat common in many rodents. This sparse hair is unusual and contributes to their need for aquatic environments to maintain skin hydration.
Their feet are partially webbed, enhancing their swimming capabilities. Furthermore, their small ears, eyes, and nostrils are distinctively positioned high on their heads. This allows them to submerge most of their body underwater for extended periods, remaining hidden from predators while still being able to observe their surroundings and breathe. This arrangement of sensory organs makes them highly effective in their semi-aquatic lifestyle.
Habitat, Diet, and Social Life
Chiguiros thrive in semi-aquatic environments, consistently inhabiting areas adjacent to various water bodies such as rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes. Their preferred habitats often include dense vegetation along riverbanks, flooded grasslands, and forests, providing both cover and access to water. The chiguiro’s diet is exclusively herbivorous, consisting predominantly of grasses and aquatic plants, which they graze extensively. During periods of scarcity, particularly in the dry season, they broaden their diet to include reeds, grains, fruits, and even tree bark.
These animals are highly social, typically living in structured groups that can range from 10 to 20 individuals. However, during severe dry seasons, multiple groups may coalesce around remaining water sources, forming larger temporary aggregations that can number up to 100 individuals. Communication within these social structures is multifaceted, involving a range of vocalizations like barks, clicks, and purrs. Scent marking also plays a significant role, with males using prominent glands on their snouts to delineate territory and signal reproductive status.
Their reliance on water is not only for hydration and feeding but also serves as a primary defense mechanism against predators. When threatened, chiguiros can submerge themselves almost completely, keeping only their nostrils above the surface, or remain entirely underwater for up to five minutes to evade danger. This behavior, combined with their webbed feet, makes them adept swimmers and divers.