Capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, are semi-aquatic mammals. They spend much of their time in water, often found grazing on grasses and aquatic plants near rivers, lakes, and swamps across South America. Their impressive size can vary depending on the individual and species.
Average Size of Capybaras
The most widely recognized capybara, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, often called the greater capybara, exhibits a substantial size. Adults measure 100 to 130 centimeters (39 to 51 inches) in length from snout to rump. Their shoulder height ranges from 50 to 62 centimeters (20 to 24 inches), and adults weigh 35 to 66 kilograms (77 to 146 pounds).
Female capybaras are often slightly heavier than males. These measurements represent the range for healthy, mature capybaras.
Distinguishing Capybara Species
While Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris is the largest and most commonly encountered species, there is another, smaller species of capybara. This relative is Hydrochoerus isthmius, often called the lesser capybara or the Isthmian capybara. It inhabits regions of northwestern South America, specifically in countries like Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela. In contrast, the greater capybara has a much broader distribution across most of South America east of the Andes.
The lesser capybara is distinctly smaller than its larger cousin, typically weighing between 28 and 50 kilograms (62 to 110 pounds), and reaching lengths of 80 to 100 centimeters (31 to 39 inches). This size difference is a primary characteristic distinguishing the two species. Therefore, when people refer to the “biggest capybara,” they are almost always referring to Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris due to its considerably larger average dimensions.
What Influences Capybara Growth
An individual capybara’s size is not solely determined by its species; several factors influence its growth throughout its life. Diet quality plays a significant role, as a consistent supply of nutritious grasses and aquatic vegetation allows for optimal development and weight gain. Access to sufficient food resources directly impacts an individual’s ability to reach its full genetic growth potential.
Habitat conditions, including the availability of fresh water and lush vegetation, also contribute to growth. Capybaras thrive in environments with ample water for swimming, foraging, and escaping predators, which indirectly supports their health and growth. Age is a critical factor, as capybaras continue to grow and gain mass until they reach full maturity, typically around 18 to 24 months of age. While they reach sexual maturity earlier, their physical development progresses into early adulthood.
Sex can also introduce slight variations in size, with adult females sometimes exhibiting a marginally larger build or higher body mass compared to males. Genetic predisposition within a population can also influence an individual’s potential for growth. The combination of these environmental and biological elements ultimately dictates how large a capybara will become.