Capybaras

The capybara gives most people quite a shock the first time they see it. Despite that, they become even more shocked when they learn what it is. In short, capybaras are 100-pound rodents ( San Diego Zoo). If you are envisioning the vicious and ugly Rodents of Unusual Size from the Princess Bride, however, do not be alarmed. Capybaras are gentle and surprisingly cute creatures. Residing in swamplands and marshy areas, capybaras are the hippos of Central and South America. With shaggy brown fur, no tail, webbed feet, and a face like a beaver's, capybaras were originally believed to be some type of pig. Now, however, it is known that capybaras are rodents related to guinea pigs and cavies.

The life of a capybara revolves around water. Their scientific name means 'water hog,' and the capybara lives up to it well. Not only do they eat water plants and grasses, they also swim to escape from predators and to mate. They wallow in mud and shallow water to keep cool during the heat of the day, and can hold their breath for up to five minutes. Like a hippo, their eyes, ears, and nostrils are located near the top of their heads so they can watch for danger and take breaths easily.

During the dry seasons, when sometimes there aren't enough water plants to eat, the capybara will feast on reeds, melons, squashes, and grains. Capybaras often regurgitate their food in order to help their stomachs digest the tough plant materials they eat.

Capybaras typically live in groups of ten to thirty animals, and as many as one hundred group together during the dry season ( San Diego Zoo). Each group of capybaras has their own territory in which they remain, though in many cases the territories overlap. A dominant male leads each group, which also consists of females, babies, and subordinate males. One they have matured, young capybaras are pushed out of their group and join up with another one. This prevents inbreeding. Females generally have one litter per year, but if conditions are good she may have two. All of the females in the group care for and nurse each other's offspring. Working as a group help protect the babies, since many creatures hunt them: caimans, ocelots, anacondas, and harpy eagles. Staying in a group also helps to protect adult capybaras from jaguars and humans. Capybaras often vocalize to warn of danger and to keep track of each other.

A short time ago, the capybara was listed as an endangered species. Happily, its numbers have increased and it is not in as much danger as it was before of becoming extinct. Capybaras used to be hunted for their meat, but now that they are farmed, the wild capybaras and their habitat are safe.

San Diego Zoo: http://www.sdzoo.com/animalbytes/t-capybara.html