The Biggest Rodent

The Capybara has a round container-like body covered in fur, the color which varies from reddish-brown to grey.

The hairs are long and rough which enables them to stay dry when not in water. It is the biggest rodent, it lives a semi-aquatic lifestyle
They are often referred to as moving chairs or nature’s ottoman. It resembles cavy and guinea pig. Their webbed feet help them maneuver in the water.

They are heavy. They inhabit Southern Central America and Northern South America in both Savannas and rain forests near ponds, rivers, or lakes.

Capybara kept as pets have been known to mow lawns for extra snacking. They are herbivores.

They rest during the heat of the day in mud or water. They graze throughout the morning and evening. They eat their poo because it helps them to digest food better.

They are social and playful animals. They live in groups ranging from 40 to 100. When they are together to make a different noise when they want to sound alarmed they bark like dogs.

Capybara is the favorite food of anaconda, other creatures that find capybara tasty are jaguars, Eagles, piranha, pumas, and ocelots.

Their teeth grow continuously like every rodent.
Capybaras, when threatened could go nocturnal, they will stay awake at night and sleep during the day. They sleep under the water.

The young one of a capybara is called a pup, pups weigh 1 to 1.5kg at birth and have teeth even at birth. They are weaned at 16 weeks. The female becomes mature within 7 – 12 months while the male 12 to 15 months.

The baby capybaras are not effective swimmers at first. Their small stature and inability to swim well make them endangered by predators like foxes, vultures, jaguars, dogs, Eagles, and piranha.