Beastlypedia
A capybara at the edge of a river in soft morning light with reeds behind it

Beastfile · Mammals

Capybara

Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris

Also known as Carpincho, Water Hog

The largest rodent on Earth, and improbably calm about everything.

Overview

A capybara is a rodent the size of a large dog, reaching around 50 kilograms, and it is built for water. Its eyes, ears and nostrils sit high on the head so it can stay almost entirely submerged while still watching and breathing, and its feet are partly webbed. It grazes on grasses and aquatic plants, lives in groups that can swell to dozens around good water in the dry season, and answers danger by heading straight for the river. Its famous tolerance of other animals is real enough that photographs of birds, monkeys and turtles perched on capybaras are unremarkable in its range.

A capybara at the water margin, its blunt muzzle and small ears clearly visible

Origin

Across most of South America east of the Andes, in wetlands, flooded grassland, marshes and the margins of rivers and lakes.

Habitat

Wetlands

Notable Traits

  • •The largest living rodent, up to roughly 50 kilograms
  • •Eyes, ears and nostrils set high for staying submerged
  • •Partially webbed feet and a strong swimmer
  • •Can stay underwater for several minutes to avoid predators
  • •Lives in groups, sometimes very large ones in the dry season

Conservation

Least Concern. Populations are stable across a wide range, though capybaras are hunted locally for meat and hide and are affected by wetland drainage.

🤯 Fun Facts