Capybara World - The Friendly Giants

About Capybaras

The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is a giant cavy rodent native to South America. It is the largest living rodent in the world, weighing up to 65 kg (143 lbs).

Capybaras are semi-aquatic mammals, spending much of their time in and around bodies of water. They are excellent swimmers and can remain completely submerged for up to five minutes to avoid predators.

Known for their peaceful nature, capybaras are highly social animals that live in groups of 10-20 individuals. They are often seen peacefully coexisting with a variety of other animals, which has made them internet celebrities as "nature's friend to all."

Capybara Fun Facts

These fascinating creatures have many unique characteristics and adaptations that make them special. Here are some interesting facts about capybaras:

Swimming Champions

Capybaras have webbed feet that help them swim efficiently. Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are positioned high on their heads so they can stay alert while mostly submerged.

Vegetarian Diet

Capybaras are herbivores that primarily eat grasses and aquatic plants. They can consume 3-4 kg of fresh grass daily!

Social Animals

They live in groups of 10-20 and communicate through a variety of vocalizations including purrs, clicks, whistles, and barks.

Coprophagy

Like rabbits, capybaras practice coprophagy - they eat their own feces to extract maximum nutrition from their food and get beneficial gut bacteria.

Unique Classification

In the 16th century, the Catholic Church classified capybaras as fish so they could be eaten during Lent, as they spend much of their time in water!

Natural Hot Tubs

Capybaras are often seen relaxing in water, which helps them regulate their body temperature in hot climates.

Capybara Gallery

Capybaras are incredibly photogenic animals known for their relaxed demeanor and friendly interactions with other species. They can often be seen lounging in water, grazing peacefully, or even carrying small animals on their backs!

Their social nature makes them popular attractions in zoos and wildlife parks around the world, where they often share enclosures with birds, turtles, and other compatible species.

In their native South America, capybaras can be found in savannas and densely forested areas near bodies of water, where they live in harmony with their natural surroundings.

Welcome to Capybara World