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 * Meet Capybara
 * Capybara FactsMenu Toggle
   * Albino Capybara
   * Capybara Swimming
   * Capybara Predators
   * Capybara Meat
   * Why Are Capybaras So Friendly
 * Capybaras as PetsMenu Toggle
   * Baby Capybara
   * Capybara in Captivity
   * Capybara Cost
   * Is It Legal To Own a Capybara
   * What Do Capybaras Eat
   * Are Capybaras Dangerous
   * Are Capybaras Smelly




CAPYBARA, THE LARGEST RODENT

This rodent from South America is the largest in the world. A capybara can get
close to 80 kg (175 pounds) but as intimidating as it might look, they are
mostly shy and tame creatures.

As the name suggests, they are usually found near swamps and water holes. The
water provides a refuge from the midday heat. They are excellent swimmers.
Capybara’s eyes and ears are positioned high on the head, so they can see and
hear easily while swimming. Capybaras also have webbing between their fingers
and toes, which helps them paddle. When frightened, they can remain underwater
for several minutes.

During the dry season—when water holes are few and far between—as many as 30 to
50 capybaras may gather around a single mud puddle. When the rains arrive, the
animals break off into smaller groups.

capybara swimming


WHAT IS A CAPYBARA



The capybara (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) is a semiaquatic animal resembling a
giant guinea pig. Capybaras are the world’s largest living rodents. They are
commonly called “water hogs” in South America or “Orinoca”, meaning,
Hydrochoerus, water pig.

It is found in Panama, east of the Canal Zone, and on the eastern side of the
Andes Mountains in South America, the species ranging from Colombia and the
Guianas to Uruguay and northeastern Argentina. The biggest density of capybaras
can be found in Brazil and along the rivers and marshes of Los Llanos in
Venezuela.

capybara family


WHERE DO CAPYBARA LIVE?



Species members have a broad, deep muzzle; short ears and tail; small eyes set
far back on the head; and short limbs with partially webbed feet, the forefoot
having four digits and the hind foot having three.

Because the capybara has a rather sparse coat, its skin is visible beneath the
long, coarse hairs. The fur is reddish brown to grayish above and yellowish
brown below. It is worth noted that unlike other rodents, they have only one
color.



The capybara lives in densely vegetated areas around ponds, lakes, rivers,
marshes, and swamps.

capybara group


CAPYBARA REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT



Species members breed throughout the year, but mating seems to peak just before
the rainy season, the time of which varies between regions.

Gestation reportedly can last either 149 or 156 days. There is usually only one
litter each year, with, typically, four young to a litter, although one
subspecies, H. hydrochaeris isthmius, apparently gives birth to an average of
five young after a gestation period of 104 to 111 days.



Because capybaras have no nests, birth can occur anywhere within their habitat.
Newborns weigh about 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg). Lactation lasts 16 weeks, although
even during this time grass makes up a major portion of the offspring’s diet.
Both females and males reach sexual maturity at 15 months of age.

capybara family, wild


WHAT DO CAPYBARA EAT?



Typically, each family group includes one adult male and one or more females,
with their young. Bachelor males often band together in separate groups. Each
day the capybara troops must travel long distances in search of food. Yet they
nearly always return to the same spot at night.

The capybara is active in the morning and evening, wallowing in mudholes and
shallow water during the hottest part of the day. In areas where it is
frequently bothered by humans, however, the animal has become nocturnal. When
closely pursued, H. hydrochaeris enters the water, where it may swim to safety,
with only its nostrils, eyes, and ears exposed, or it may hide in floating
vegetation, with only its nostrils exposed. The capybara can also swim totally
submerged for long distances.



Species members are normally found in herds containing 20 individuals, although
smaller groupings, comprising only family members, are also seen. A typical
group is headed by a dominant male and possesses a hierarchy established and
maintained by aggression and fighting. In addition to grasses, the species also
feeds on aquatic plants as well as grains, melons, and squashes.

capybara eating


ARE CAPYBARAS ENDANGERED?



As a species, capybaras are not endangered, in fact they are classified as
“least concern”. However, in some parts, they experienced loss of habitat and
the wild population is shrinking. 

The capybara has also been hunted as an agricultural pest and for its valued
meat and fur. In some places, ranchers kill the creature just because it
competes with cows and sheep for grass.



As a result of overhunting, capybaras have nearly disappeared in parts of their
range. Consequently, Venezuelan and Peruvian populations have shrunk, although
the animal is still common throughout much of South America.

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CAPYBARA FAQ



Questions & Answers


CAPYBARA SIZE: HOW BIG IS A CAPYBARA

The capybara weighs between 59.5 and 174 pounds (27 to 79 kg) and has a combined
head-and-body length of 40 to 50 inches (100 to 130 cm), a shoulder height of 20
inches (50 cm), and a vestigial tail.


DO CAPYBARAS MAKE GOOD PETS?

They make great outside pets. Many people want to bring them in the house and
try to “potty “train them. These are basically wild animals. They can be brought
in if you want your rugs chewed, table legs gnawed, curtains pulled off the
windows, and a possible mess in the floor.
Outside they swim, run, eat and lounge in the sun during the day. Feeding time
is a special time for then and for you. They will stand up and beg for corn,
follow you around the yard and my pet would love to get in your lap. They bond
with what there are raised with at the time. More times than none it will be
you.



The bathroom training is an outside pan. Capybaras are semi aquatic animals and
require water for daily. Their skin requires water and warmth. The chewing is a
natural thing for them. They have teeth at birth and the chewing is done to
grind their teeth. If the teeth grow too quickly they will grow into the upper
portion of the mouth and prevent their eating. See here more about capybaras as
pets.



DO CAPYBARAS BITE?

YES, can bite and will do so. It is their defense for protection. Just keep your
fingers away from them and do not try to grab them quickly. They prefer to
initiate the affection. Read more about why are capybaras so friendly?

ARE CAPYBARAS AGGRESSIVE?

ONLY if provoked by another capybara at he feeding pan. They are truly gentle
giants.

DO CAPYBARAS DIG?

NO, they do not dig like hogs. They will go under any possible opening and can
squeeze through a small crack. If they get out it is very difficult to chase.
They are really fast runners. They can turn on a dime. On occasion I have had
one to climb a three foot chain link fence when the dominant male chased him.

CAN CAPYBARAS BE TRAINED?

THE KEY is patience and repetitive behaviors. They respond to verbal calls,
whistles and of course feed buckets. They also respond to their names as they
get older. They twirl, run and stand on their hind legs for food.

HOW TO FEED A CAPYBARA?

They are GRASS lovers. They love fruits and vegetables. They drink milk
replacer, puppy chow, cattle creeper pellets, rabbit pellets, rodent food, and
bread.

CAPYBARA LATEST ARTICLES


 * Why Are Capybaras So Friendly
 * Albino Capybara
 * Are Capybaras Smelly
 * Are Capybaras Dangerous
 * What Do Capybaras Eat
 * Is It Legal To Own a Capybara
 * Capybara Cost
 * Capybara Meat
 * Capybara Predators
 * Capybara Swimming
 * Do Capybaras Make Good Pets?
 * Capybara in Captivity
 * Baby Capybara
 * Capybara Facts
 * Capybaras With Other Animals



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