The Charming Capybara Outshines Your Canine Companion

While rodents often get a bad rap due to species like rats, which are linked to historical events such as the bubonic plague, not all rodents deserve this stigma.

Rodentia, the order to which rodents belong, encompasses a staggering 40 percent of all mammal species. This includes not just the common Norway rats or house mice, but also beloved creatures like beavers, guinea pigs, porcupines, chipmunks, and nutria. Among these, the capybara stands out as the most charismatic and the largest rodent in the world.

Charisma is subjective, but imagine a massive, pig-like, semi-aquatic rodent, roughly the size of a big dog, with eyes, ears, and nostrils positioned high on its head. Their small, webbed feet resemble tiny hooves. These herbivores consume 6 to 8 pounds (2.7 to 3.6 kilograms) of grass daily, along with their morning feces, which is rich in protein from gut microbes. This unusual habit helps them extract nutrients missed during initial digestion. Truly intriguing.

Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) — and yes, the plural is capybaras — are native to Central and South America, thriving in their natural habitats. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists them as a Species of Least Concern, despite being prey for predators like anacondas and jaguars. They live near water sources such as wetlands, rivers, and estuaries, as their skin requires moisture and their diet consists mainly of riparian grasses. About 80 percent of their food comes from five specific grass species found near water.

Capybaras Are Very Social Beings

Capybaras thrive on companionship and rely heavily on each other for survival.

"Capybaras are one of the most sociable rodents," explains Elizabeth Congdon, a capybara expert and professor at Bethune-Cookman University. "Their groups typically include a dominant male, several related females, and their young. Females work together, even nursing each other's babies and protecting the group's offspring from predators and aggressive males. I once witnessed a female capybara stand her ground against a large spectacled caiman approaching her newborn."

Capybara groups can vary from 10 to 100 members, especially during the dry season. Their daily routine mostly involves relaxing, earning them the nickname "nature's ottomans" as animals like monkeys, birds, and even other capybaras often perch on their backs. Females engage in playful behavior with their young, teaching daughters to cooperate and sons to compete. However, with numerous predators and a dominant male guarding his females, males remain vigilant for any threats.

"The dominant male fiercely protects his status," says Congdon. "Males usually resolve conflicts through grunting and chasing rather than full-blown fights. Females not only stay loyal to the group but also help defend their territory by sounding alarms when predators or intruders are spotted."

While capybaras are undeniably charming and some people keep them as pets (legal in states like Texas and Pennsylvania with proper permits), they are not suitable for most households. Capybaras need ample water, space, and social interaction. A lone capybara or even a pair would likely suffer. In Florida, some capybaras have escaped, possibly from a research facility, and are now roaming North Florida, possibly forming bonds with local wildlife. It’s uncertain if they’ll become Florida’s next invasive species.

Discover fascinating details about capybaras in "Capybara: Incredible Pictures and Fun Facts about Capybara" by Lueretha Atkins. Mytour recommends books we believe you’ll enjoy. If you decide to purchase, we may earn a share of the sale.