MAMMALIA: RODENTIA: HYDROCHAERIDAE: Hydrochaeris

Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris Brünnich, 1771

Capybara

Photos & text by Dr. Robert Sprackland

 
Mother capybara with two of her young.

Range: Forested and grassland regions of South America, from eastern Panama to northern Argentina.

Diagnosis: A bulky, rat-faced rodent with slick fur, short ears, and a very tiny tail, that may grow in excess of 80 kg/35 lbs.

Description: The capybara is the world's largest living rodent, reaching a maximum length of about 1.30 m. The fur is long and coarse, but sparse enough that skin is seen on the body. The front limb has four digits, the rear only three. The snout is stocky, sub-rectangular in profile (distinguishing capybaras from similar cavies). 

Natural History: Capybaras live in dense forest underbrush, typically near water. They are vegetarian rodents, feeding on soft aquatic grasses, crops such as melons and grains, and green grasses. They swim well, often completely submerged, and are typically diurnal. Near human habitations, though, capybaras tend to be crepuscular or nocturnal.

Capybaras are gregarious rodents that form groups of 15-20 individuals. They communicate via a complex repertoire of whistles and grunts.

Reproduction: Gestation may range over 104-156 days, and usually produce a single offspring, though rarely twins are born (see photo at top of account). Mating may take place any time of year. The young suckle for some 2-3 months, but are able to walk and fend for themselves from shortly after birth. Sexual maturity comes at 15-18 months.

Taxonomy & Relationships: This is the only species in the genus, though some mammalogists recognize the northern Panamanian animals to represent a species, H. isthmius.

Variation:

Additional Comments:

Type Specimen:

 Literature: Click on book to order.

Nowak, Ronald. 1991. Walker's Mammals of the World, Fifth Edition. Two volumes. Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN: 0-8018-3970-X.