Capybara is known as the largest rodent in the world and is a semi-aquatic mammal commonly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of South America. Belonging to the family Caviidae, this species stands out due to its social structure, behavioral traits, and ecological adaptations. Capybaras are predominantly found in areas with extensive grasslands and water sources, especially along riverbanks and wetlands. This species is capable of surviving by exhibiting various adaptations both in its natural habitats and in environments influenced by human activity.
Morphological Characteristics
Capybaras have an average shoulder height ranging from 50 to 60 centimeters, a body length between 100 and 130 centimeters, and a weight that varies between 35 and 70 kilograms. Their bodies are cylindrical and robust; their short legs and broad feet enhance their swimming abilities. All four feet have webbed toes, which support their semi-aquatic lifestyle. Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are positioned on the top of their heads, facilitating breathing and observing their surroundings while partially submerged in water.
Their digestive systems are specialized to digest plant material rich in cellulose. They possess a large, compartmentalized stomach that allows for microbial fermentation. Additionally, capybaras exhibit coprophagy behavior, meaning they consume undigested food to increase nutrient absorption.
Capybaras (João Saplak , Pexels)
Behavior and Social Structure
Capybaras are social animals that typically live in groups consisting of 10 to 20 individuals; in some cases, this number can exceed 40. Groups usually include one dominant male, several females, and their offspring. While the dominant male controls breeding rights, subordinate males may also have opportunities to mate. A distinct hierarchy is evident within their social organization.
They communicate through various vocalizations and chemical signals. In moments of danger, they alert group members with loud warning calls. Additionally, behaviors such as territorial marking and reinforcing social bonds are observed through pheromones secreted from their anal glands.
Breeding seasons vary depending on the climatic conditions of their habitat. Mating generally occurs during the rainy season. The gestation period lasts approximately 120 days, and females typically give birth to 3 to 5 young. The offspring are able to walk shortly after birth and begin grazing within a few days; the weaning process lasts about 16 weeks.
Capybara (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)
Distribution and Habitat
Capybaras are found across a broad geographic range extending from the lower eastern Andes to the Amazon Basin. They are commonly seen in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Guyana, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, and northeastern Argentina. They prefer habitats such as wetlands, riverbanks, swamps, seasonal floodplains, and grasslands. Habitat suitability models indicate that capybaras tend to concentrate particularly in humid subtropical regions, while human activities such as habitat fragmentation and hunting access significantly influence their distribution.
Capybara Caravan (Generated with Artificial Intelligence)
Ecology and Human Interaction
Capybaras are herbivorous animals that primarily feed on short grasses, sedges, and aquatic plants. They especially prefer species such as Leersia hexandra, Hymenachne amplexicaulis, and Paratheria prostrata. Their grazing behavior plays an important role in controlling plant cover and maintaining ecosystem dynamics. Capybaras are vulnerable to large predators like jaguars and anacondas; however, in some regions, these natural predators have disappeared.
The interaction between capybaras and humans occurs on multiple levels. Due to the expansion of agricultural lands, habitat destruction, and hunting, conflicts between humans and capybaras have arisen in certain areas. They are frequently hunted for their meat and hides. For example, in Argentina during the 1970s, approximately 80,000 capybara hides were exported annually. Additionally, in Brazil, capybaras are central to health concerns due to their role in ecosystems involving diseases such as Brazilian spotted fever, which is transmitted by ticks.
Capybaras also pose a significant risk in traffic accidents. Especially in southeastern Brazil, their large size and tendency to move in groups have caused fatal collisions on roadways. Furthermore, capybaras have been reported to damage crops such as corn, sugarcane, and soybeans in agricultural areas.
Capybara (Klub Boks, Pexels)
Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the capybara is classified as “Least Concern.” This classification is based on its wide distribution, large population, and presence in many protected areas. However, some local populations are under pressure due to excessive hunting. Consequently, countries like Argentina have developed regulations for controlled hunting. Initiatives such as capybara farms aim to ensure the species is managed sustainably.
