<> THE CAPYBARAS <>

The capybara is a semiaquatic mammal and the world’s largest rodent. These social creatures have partially webbed feet and eyes, ears, and nostrils on the top of their heads, making them well-suited to their wetland habitat. Found along the water’s edge throughout South America and portions of Central America, capybaras are not endangered.1 However, their populations have declined in some areas due to hunting.

Capybaras have partially webbed feet, making them great swimmers. Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are located at the top of their heads, like hippos, enabling them to keep most of their bodies below water while they watch out for predators. Capybaras are able to completely submerge themselves for up to five minutes, allowing them to hide from predators like jaguars, caimans, and anacondas.4

During the breeding season, the male capybara will follow the female around until they mate in the water.2 On hot days, capybaras soak in shallow water to keep themselves cool.

Capybaras have two long, front teeth, and like other rodents, these teeth never stop growing.3Their incisors are strong and chisel-like, making them highly effective at cutting through grass.5 In order to keep their teeth to a reasonable length, capybaras must wear them down by grinding and chewing on food or bark. Their molars keep growing throughout their life as well, but they wear down from the constant grinding capybaras do to masticate their greens.