TaxonHub

Capybara

Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris

Largest living rodent in the world, native to South American wetlands and grasslands, highly social semi-aquatic mammal characterized by its robust body and remarkable adaptation to aquatic environments.

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Ecology & Habitat

Habitat

Tropical and subtropical regions of South America, including Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, and Paraguay, predominantly in river systems, marshes, swamps, and seasonally flooded grasslands

Ecological Role

Critical ecosystem engineers, grazing herbivores that maintain grassland vegetation, serve as important prey for predators like jaguars and caimans, and play significant roles in nutrient cycling within wetland ecosystems

Morphology

SKIN COAT Coarse, dense brown-reddish fur, water-resistant, providing thermal regulation and camouflage
LIMBS WINGS Short, sturdy limbs with partially webbed feet, adapted for swimming and walking through marshy terrains
HEAD SENSORY Large, broad head with small ears, eyes positioned high on skull for enhanced aquatic visibility, excellent peripheral vision
BODY STRUCTURE Large, barrel-shaped body, approximately 1.2 meters long, weighing 35-66 kg, with short, thick fur and robust skeletal frame

Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Clodomiro Esteves Junior

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