Capybara (Hydrochoerus Hydrochaeris) - Animals - A-Z Animals Five groups that classify all living things Animalia A group of animals within the animal kingdom Chordata A group of animals within a pylum Mammalia A group of animals within a class Rodentia A group of animals within an order Caviidae A group of animals within a family Hydrochoerus Comprised of the genus followed by the species Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris Most widely used name for the species Capybara The domestic group such as cat or dog Mammal The specific area where the animal lives Dense vegetation close to freshwater The colour of the animal's coat or markings Brown, Yellow, Red, Grey The protective layer of the animal Fur How long (L) or tall (H) the animal is 100cm - 130cm (39in - 51in) The measurement of how heavy the animal is 30kg - 70kg (66lbs - 154lbs) The fastest recorded speed of the animal 35kph (22mph) What kind of foods the animal eats Herbivore The food that the animal gains energy from Grasses, Aquatic

 Plants, Bark Other animals that hunt and eat the animal Jaguar, Caiman, Harpy Eagle Whether the animal is solitary or sociable Nocturnal/Crepuscular How long the animal lives for 8 - 10 years The average number of babies born at once 5 The likelihood of the animal becoming extinct Least Concern Eyes, ears and nostrils on top of the head!

Fun Fact: Excellent at both diving and swimming! Capybara Location Capybara Capybara Classification and Evolution The Capybara is a large, semi-aquatic rodent that is found inhabiting the water-logged regions of Central and South America. Closely related to other South American rodents such as Chinchillas and Guinea Pigs , the Capybara is the largest rodent in the world weighing up to 75kg and measuring nearly 1.4 meters long. Despite their enormous size though, these mammals have adapted well to life in the water and have a number of distinctive characteristics that aid their amphibious lifestyle , including the webbed skin between their toes which is particularly helpful when swimming. Interestingly enough, the common name of the Capybara is thought to mean "Master of the Grasses", whilst it's scientific name comes from the Greek word for water hog. Capybara Anatomy and Appearance The Capybara is a heavy, stocky-looking animal with a short head and muzzle in comparison to it's body and hardly any tail at all.

They have short but sturdy limbs and hoof-like claws on their toes which along with the webbing, helps the Capybara both when negotiating the slippery banks and with swimming and also prevents the Capybara from sinking too deeply into the surrounding mud. Their coarse, short fur is pale to dark brown in colour with varying tinges of yellow, red and grey and is perfectly designed to dry out quickly once the Capybara is back on land. One of the Capybara's most distinctive features is the fact that their eyes, ears and nostrils are all positioned on top of it's head meaning that they still have excellent sight, sound and smell whilst in the water. The placement of these features also means that when threatened, the Capybara can retreat into the water only leaving these parts of it's body exposed to hide from potential predators. Capybara Distribution and Habitat The Capybara is found throughout a variety of habitats in Central and South America providing that there is a constant source of standing freshwater . They are found in Panama , Colombia , Venezuela and Peru , down through Brazil and Paraguay and into northern Argentina and Uruguay where they are most commonly found in swamps, marshes, rivers and lakes.

The Capybara can be found inhabiting grassy plains and even in rainforests where they occupy territories in herds, with these areas reported to be adequate territories year round even with the differing seasons. During the dry season the Capybara must have water and areas where they are able to feed (often small sandbars in the water), but in the wet season when the area floods they must still be able to graze which they often do on the grassy banks. Capybara Behaviour and Lifestyle The Capybara is a very sociable animal that tends to inhabit densely vegetated areas close to water in herds of around 20 individuals, which are usually made up of a dominant male with a number of females and their young. Capybara herds occupy very stable home ranges that are known to vary in size depending on the size of the herd to ensure that there is enough food, and although small parts of their territory may overlap those of another herd, they will tend chase intruders off their patch. The Capybara actually sleeps very little, preferring instead to doze whilst resting during the morning in thickets on the banks, or wallowing in the mud and water when cooling down in the heat of the midday sun.

They begin to emerge onto land in the early evening when they graze on grasses and aquatic plants which the Capybara will continue to do throughout most of the night. Capybara Reproduction and Life Cycles In a Capybara herd it is only the dominant male that has the breeding rights to the females, and although it can occur all year round depending on the conditions, the breeding season tends to be during the rains in April and May. After a gestation period that lasts for around five months, the female Capybara gives birth to between 1 and 8 pups on land. Capybara young are very well developed at birth and not only have all their fur and can see, but are also able to run, swim and dive within hours of birth. The female rejoins the main group within hours with her newborn offspring, which begin to eat grass after about a week (although they will continue to suckle milk from their mother until they are around four months old). The Capybara tends to live for up to 10 years in the wild and slightly longer when kept in captivity.

Capybara Diet and Prey The Capybara is a herbivorous animal that only eats plant matter in order to acquire all of the nutrients it needs. The diet of the Capybara is mainly made up of grasses and aquatic plants, along with fruits and berries and the occasional munch on soft tree bark. Despite spending a number of hours during the night grazing , the Capybara is quite fussy with around 75% of their diet involving between three and six different species of plant. Like all other species of rodent, their two front teeth grow continuously throughout their life meaning that they must gnaw and chew their food to grind them down which they do in a back and forth motion rather than from side to side. They are also known to both regurgitate their food in order to chew it again (much like a Cow) and also eat their own droppings which help to break down the cellulose in the grass, along with aiding their digestive system in general. Capybara Predators and Threats Despite the large size and secretive aquatic nature of this large rodent, their slow and gentle disposition makes them a rewarding meal for numerous hungry predators throughout their natural range.

Wildcats including Jaguars , Pumas and Ocelots are the primary predators of the Capybara along with Caimans and Eagles that can hunt the younger ones from the sky above. The Capybara is also one of the best sources of food for the world's heaviest snake , the Anaconda, along with other species of large snake . The Capybara is also hunted by Humans in parts of it's natural range for both it's meat and the hide which is prized amongst some. Although the global Capybara population is not considered to be under threat, numbers in these areas have declined. Habitat loss also affects Capybara populations through Central and South America as they are specifically adapted to life in their unique watery wilderness. Capybara Interesting Facts and Features Capybara never stray far from water as when one senses danger it gives a short bark that encourages the herd to quickly scuttle into the water to hide. They are so well adapted to going unseen in the water that the Capybara is actually able to hold it's breath for up to five minutes after diving in.

Although Capybara herds tend to average between 10 and 30 individuals, larger groups are not uncommon with some numbering up to 100 members in home ranges generally larger than those of smaller groups . Capybara are known to communicate between one another using both scent (which is secreted by their glands) and sound, and have a number of different vocalisations including whistles, barks, grunts and squeals. Capybara Relationship with Humans Due to their slow and generally gentle nature, Humans have lived alongside Capybara for hundreds of years peacefully. However, they may not be aggressive animals but are often killed in certain areas for their meat and skin which has led to population declines in these regions. The Capybara has also been affected by Human activity in their native regions in general including both growing Human settlements and land clearance for agriculture. It is in these areas particularly that when there is not an adequate supply of food available, some Capybara have been known to enter crop fields where they can cause a great deal of damage and can be seen as pests.

Capybara Conservation Status and Life Today Today, the Capybara population throughout Central and South America remains fairly stable and it is because they are still common in much of their natural range, that the Capybara is listed as being of Least Concern from becoming extinct in their natural environments in the near future by the IUCN Red List. Population numbers in certain areas however, have declined due to hunting and others are affected by loss of their natural habitat both from deforestation and increasing pollution levels in the water. Share This Article Learn how you can use or cite the Capybara article in your website content, school work and other projects. First Published: 4th January 2010, Last Updated: 9th January 2017 [View Sources] Sources: 1. About Capybara (Date Unknown) Available at: [Accessed at: 04 Jan 2010] 2. Capybara Behaviour (Date Unknown) Available at: [Accessed at: 04 Jan 2010] 3. Capybara Facts (Date Unknown) Available at: [Accessed at: 04 Jan 2010] 4.

Capybara Information (Date Unknown) Available at: [Accessed at: 04 Jan 2010] 5. David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (2008) Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Animals [Accessed at: 04 Jan 2010] 6. David Burnie, Kingfisher (2011) The Kingfisher Animal Encyclopedia [Accessed at: 01 Jan 2011] 7. David W. Macdonald, Oxford University Press (2010) The Encyclopedia Of Mammals [Accessed at: 04 Jan 2010] 8. Dorling Kindersley (2006) Dorling Kindersley Encyclopedia Of Animals [Accessed at: 04 Jan 2010] 9. Richard Mackay, University of California Press (2009) The Atlas Of Endangered Species [Accessed at: 04 Jan 2010] 10. Tom Jackson, Lorenz Books (2007) The World Encyclopedia Of Animals [Accessed at: 04 Jan 2010] Are you Safe?

Are You Safe? is an online safety campaign by A-Z-Animals.com. If something has upset you, the Are You Safe? campaign can help you to speak to someone who can help you. Capybara Location and Habitat Capybaras are located in South America and also Panama, the most southern country of Central America. Capybaras are mostly found in dense forests near water sources such as streams, ponds, rivers, swamps and lakes. Capybaras will run to the water to escape from potential threats. Diet Capybaras' diets consist of fruits, grasses and water plants. They will also feed on vegetables grown on farms. Size and Description Capybaras are the largest rodents on earth. Adult capybaras are typically between 3 - 4 feet long and can weigh between 100 and 150 pounds. Capybaras' heads resemble those of other rodents, but are much larger. They have small ears and their legs are short compared to their round bodies. Capybaras have reddish-brown hair and two long front teeth that are typical in rodents. Adaptations Capybaras are well-suited for living in and near the water.

Their webbed feet make them excellent swimmers, helping to propel them through the water quickly. Capybaras also have the ability to hide under water for extended periods of time by holding their noses just above the surface. They can sit completely underwater and hold their breath for up to five minutes. Reproduction Gestation or pregnancy periods of female capybaras last approximately 5 months. They will usually give birth to litters consisting of 2 - 8 offspring. Other Facts Like other rodents, capybaras have two long front teeth that never stop growing. Rather, their teeth are worn down by chewing on foods or bark. Capybaras are social animals, living in groups controlled by one dominant male. They can communicate using various sounds to signal danger. Capybaras are often hunted for meat or for their hides, which make very high-quality leather. They may be killed by farmers who view them as pests for destroying crops.

Capybara - New World Encyclopedia Capybara ( Linnaeus , 1766) Capybara range Capybara is the common name for a large, semi-aquatic rodent , Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, of Central America and tropical South America, characterized by short legs with partially webbed feet, small ears, a blunt nose, and almost no tail. Known as the carpincho in Spanish and capivara in Portuguese, H. hydrochaeris is the largest living rodent (order Rodentia . It belongs to the Caviidae family, which also includes the guinea pig and cavy . (In some taxonomies, it is placed in its own family of Hydrochaeridae.) The capybara's unique adaptations and large size help to make it one of the better known animals in the world. Because its size and superficial appearance, people sometimes are surprised to learn that it is a rodent rather than a relative of the pig . Remarkably, it has been classified as a fish in the Catholic religion, a fact that made it historically popular during times when tradition dictated the eating of fish (Lent, Fridays).

Capybaras provide value for the ecosystem as part of food chains , converting vegetative matter into forms consumed by predators such as jaguars , caimans , and anacondas . For humans, they have been used as food and as a source of leather, and they add to the human wonder of nature. Contents 6 Credits Description The capybara is the only living species in its genus , Hydrochoerus. Its common name, capybara in English and capivara in Portuguese, derives from Kapiÿva in the Guarani Indian language, meaning "Lord of the grass" (JP 2007), perhaps reflecting the fact that grasses are the favorite food of this rodent (BZ 2007). Its scientific name hydrochaeris. is Latin for "water hog" (CZ 2007), reflecting it semi-aquatic existence and its superficial resemblance to a pig . However, capybaras are rodents (Order Rodentia), classified with rats , mice , and squirrels .

Capybara are found wild in much of South America (including Panama , Columbia, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina , French Guiana , Uruguay , Peru , and Paraguay (BZ 2007). They can be found in densely forested areas near bodies of water , such as lakes , rivers , swamps , ponds, and marshes (NZP 2007), such as flooded savanna and along rivers in tropical forest (BBC 2007). The population of capybaras in the Brazilian Pantanal , the world's largest wetland system, is estimated to approach one half million (Swarts 2000). Capybara exhibit marker Capybaras have heavy, barrel -shaped bodies, and short heads with reddish-brown fur on the upper part of their body that turns yellowish-brown underneath. Capybaras have slightly webbed feet and only a rudimentary tail; their back legs are slightly longer than their front legs and their muzzles are blunt with eyes , nostrils, and ears on the dorsal (top) of their head (BBC 2007). Capybaras have a total of 20 teeth.

Like other rodents, the front teeth of capybaras grow continually to compensate for the constant wearing-down of eating grasses (BZ 2007). Adult capybaras are the largest extant rodents. They may grow more than four feet (130 centimeters) long and 50 centimeters tall (1.6 feet), and commonly weigh more than 50 kilograms (110 pounds) (NZP 2007; Magalhaes 1992). Females are slightly heavier than males (CZ 2007). Though now extinct , there once existed even larger capybaras that were eight times the size of modern capybaras; these rodents would have been larger than a modern day grizzly bear) (BBC 2007). Life cycle and behavior Capybara lounging in a shallow pool at the Hattiesburg Zoo in Hattiesburg, Mississippi . The capybara is a herbivore (more specifically, a graminivore, grazing mainly on grasses and aquatic plants, as well as fruits and tree bark .

Capybaras eat their own feces in the morning in order to help digest the cellulose in the grass that forms their normal diet. During midday, as temperatures increase, capybaras wallow in water to keep cool and then graze in late afternoons and early evenings. They sleep little, usually dozing off and on throughout the day and grazing into and through the night (BBC 2007). Capybaras are excellent swimmers and can survive completely underwater for up to five minutes (NZP 2007), an ability they will use to evade predators. If necessary, a capybara can sleep almost submerged, keeping its nose just at the waterline. Capybaras have a lifespan of four to eight years in the wild, but average a life less than four years as they are a favorite prey of jaguars , anacondas , pumas , ocelots , caimans , and eagles (BZ 2007). Capybaras are social animals, usually found in groups, between 10 and 30 (though looser groups of up to 100 sometimes can be formed) (BBC 2007).

Magalhaes (1992) reports that in the Pantanal , the social groups average between 8 and 16 individuals. They are controlled by a dominant male (NZP 2007), who will have a prominent scent gland on his nose (BBC 2007), used for smearing his scent on the grasses in his territory (BZ 2007). Members in a group communicate through a combination of scent and sound, being very vocal animals with purrs and alarm barks, (BBC 2007), as well as whistles, clicks, squeals, and grunts (BZ 2007). Capybaras reach sexual maturity within 18 months and breed when conditions are right, which can be once per year (such as in Brazil ) or throughout the year (such as in Venezuela and Colombia ). The male pursues a female and mounts when the female stops in water. Capybara gestation is 130-150 days and usually produces a litter of four capybara babies (Magalhaes 1992).

Birth is on land and the female will rejoin the group within a few hours of delivering the newborn capybaras, who will join the group as soon as they are mobile. Within a week the young can eat grass, but will continue to suckle from any female in the group until weaned at about 16 weeks. Youngsters will form a group within the main group (BBC 2007; BZ 2007). Conservation and human interactions Capybara are not on the IUCN list and thus not considered a threatened species; their population is stable through most of their South American ranges, though in some areas hunting has reduced their numbers. Capybaras can be found in many areas in zoos and parks, sometimes allowed to roam freely and may live for 12 years in captivity (BBC 2007; BZ 2007). Capybaras are gentle animals and will usually allow humans to pet and hand-feed them. Capy relaxing in his water pool at the Hattiesburg (Mississippi) Zoo. Capybaras are hunted for their meat and skins in some areas, and otherwise killed by humans who see their grazing as competition for livestock .

The skins are turned into a high-quality leather. Capybara meat may be dried and salted, then shredded and seasoned (Lipske 2006). Considered a delicacy, it is often served with rice and plantains (Ellsworth 20050. In some areas, capybaras are farmed , which has the effect of insuring that the wetland habitats are protected. Their survival is aided by their ability to breed rapidly (BZ 2007). During the Catholic observation of Lent , during which consumption of meats and oils are traditionally avoided, capybara meat is especially popular as the church classified the animal as a fish in the sixteenth century, and has never reversed this erroneous classification (Ellsworth 2005; JP 2007). Gallery Capybara at The National Zoo in Washington, D.C.

Capybara at the Prague Zoological Garden Capybara near Rurenabaque in Bolivia Capybara near Rurenabaque in Bolivia Capybara at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin Capybara: Frontalansicht eines Wasserschweins Swimming capybara at Iberá Marshes in Corrientes, Argentina Capybara from the Rio Grande Zoo in AlbuquerqueNew Mexico Capybara at the Bristol Zoo in Bristol, England Capybara at Kolmården Zoo in Sweden Capybara with young at the Zoo Schönbrunn in Vienna Young Capybaras at the Zoo Schönbrunn in Vienna Capybara resting Capybara - Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris CAPYBARA This image courtesy of this image courtesy of Conservation Organizations Conservation International -- this is the home page for Conservation International who works to preserve global diversity and insure the harmonious living of humans and the rest of the earth's life.

Conservation International - South America regional conservation --- this is the site for South American, home of the capybara, conservation related to Conservation International Conservation International conservation strategies -- this is the site summarizing conservation strategies being used by Conservation International in the tropical wilderness, parts of which are natural capybara habitats InfoNatura --- this is the home page of InfoNatura, a source containing information on the conservation of Latin American birds and mammals Animal Diversity Web -- this is a site on which you can explore the diversity of animals on our planet and find general info on them Animal Diversity Web information on capybaras -- this links you to the website's entry on capybaras The Rainforest Alliance -- this is the home page for the Rainforest Alliance, they work to maintain the rainforest ecosystems throughout the world this image courtesy of this image courtesy of this image courtesy of this image courtesy of This image courtesy of The name Hydrochaeris literally means "water pig" Introduction Physical Characteristics: Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world and are semi-aquatic. They grow to be 3-4 feet long and can weigh 60-170 pounds. They stand about 1.5 feet high.

Capybaras have no tail and short legs with webbed feet. Their front feet have 4 toes each and the back feet have 3 toes. Their fur is semi-long and coarse with color ranging from brown, gray, yellow and black. They have an approximate lifespan of 10 years in the wild and up to 12 years in captivity. Lifestyle: Their natural habitat is swamps, marshes, and forests in Central and South America; including the Amazon rainforest, Panama, Columbia, Uruguay, and Argentina. They are herbivores with a diet consisting of water plants, grains, fruits, and grasses. Like other rodents they need to gnaw and chew in order to wear their two front teeth down, which grow through out their lives. Behavior: They are active during the morning and night, and rest during the day in burrows. Capybaras are social animals gathering in groups of around 20 individuals. They communicate using whistles, barks, grunts, squeaks and clicks. They also have a sent producing gland in their neck that is thought to be used for marking territory and identification.

Predators: The Capybaras predators are the puma, jaguar, caiman, ocelot, harpy eagle, anaconda and people. When threatened they scurry to the water and submerge themselves with only their eyes and nose exposed (see picture to upper left). Sexual Reproduction: The capybara reaches sexual maturity between 15 and 18 months. Their breading season peaks in April and May, and they have a gestation period of 149-156 days. They give birth to one litter a year with up to 8 babies per litter and an average of 4. Newborn capybaras weigh around 2 pounds and is already equipped with hair and sight. this image courtesy of Conservation Status The Capybara is not an endangered species. It in neither on the IUCN list ( )or the CITES list. ( ) Conservation Issues The biggest threat to the capybara is the loss of it's rainforest habitat. Because of logging, farming and the clear-cutting/burning techniques that are being used, their habitat is being diminished every day.

33.8 million acres of rainforest are lost each year, 2.8 million acres a month, 93,000 acres a day, 3,800 acres an hour and 64 acres a minute. Brazil alone lost 91.4 million acres fo tropical rainforest between 1980 and 1990. Because around 50 percent of the earths species live in tropical rainforests, this massive loss of their habitat causes the extinction of aproximatly 100 species a day. Luckily for the Capybara and other tropical rainforest dwellers the country of Suriname, with the help of Conservation International and other conservation groups, has created one of the largest nature reserves in the world on the Atlantic coast of South America. It's area is 1.592 million hectares. The habitat of the capybara is protected in the reserve, which is mostly tropical rainforest. The capybara is also common in North American zoos which ensures it survival even if it is not in its natural habitat.

Literature Cited Capybara Fact Sheet Taxonomic History and Nomenclature Traditional classifications consider capybara to be in its own family, the Hydrochoeridae Recent genetic studies place Hydrochaeris within Caviidae, the family which includes cavies, maras and guinea pigs Much uncertainty regarding how capybara relate to other South American rodents H.

isthmius a distinct species with karyotype 2n-64 and FN=104 (Mones 1991) but not recognized as separate species by other researchers (Flynn 2008) Common Name Some 190 local common names most of native origins Kapiyva or "master of the grasses" in Amazon tribe's native language In Spanish: carpincho, capibara, chigüiro, maja, poncho Scientific Name From Greek Hydro chaeris meaning "water hog" Phylogeny Ancestors of modern capybara: cavy-like rodents (cavimorphs) Late Eocene to Early Oligocene (37.5 to 31.5 million years ago), Chilean Andes Cavimorphs perhaps arrived in South America from Africa True capybaras first recorded in Argentina about 9 million years ago As many as 56 separate fossil species, most described solely on basis of teeth But teeth change shape significantly as a capybara ages In actuality, not so many species Revision needed About 3.5 million years ago, capybara dispersed to North America across the Panamanian land bridge During the Ple

istocene Ice Ages, capybara lived in southern U.S.

Pleistocene fossil sites of Neochoerus pinckneyi (40% larger than modern capybara) in Florida, South Carolina, Texas Pleistocene fossil discovered in 1995 from Ice Ages pond sediments, San Diego County, California (Deméré 2007) In Pleistocene, capybara often associated with bizarre, large armored glyptodonts in wet habitats Only one genus and one (or two) species living today DISTRIBUTION & HABITAT Click here or on map for detailed distribution (IUCN) Prehistoric distribution: North America, Central America, West Indies, South America Historically (before livestock introduced): riparian regions throughout South and Central America. Currently for H. isthmius: eastern Panama and northern coastal Colombia and Venezuela Currently: for H.

hydrochaeris: northern South America east of the Andes from Panama to NE Argentina Portions of Columbia, the Guianas, Suriname Paraguay and Uruguay Amazonian Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia Concentrations in: Pantanal wetlands of western Brazil Taim lowlands of southern Brazil Habitat Lowlands from open plains to tropical rain forests, always near water Swampy, marshy, grassy areas bordering rivers, ponds, streams, lakes Prefer nutrient-rich muddy rivers with aquatic grasses Need extensive meadows at low water times Considered a habitat specialist Use open water for drinking, wallowing, predator protection Use dry land for foraging, resting Grassy patches and brushy scrub both essential in extremes of dry and wet seasons Ecology largely unknown until 1966 when Venezuelan government began studies in Llanos region PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS (Herrera 1992) (MacDonald 1984) (Mones & Ojasti 1986) (Pereira et al 1980) (Nowak 1999) Body Weight: Average adult 48.9 kg (108 lb); 35 to 65.5 kg (77 lb

 to 144 lb) in Venezula's Llano region; a record 91 kg (200 lb) in southern Brazil Head/Body Length: 106 to 134 cm (42 to 53 in); Shoulder Height: 60.9 cm (2 ft.) Tail Length: Tail vestigal Spends much time in water Eyes and small ears set high on head (can be alert while nearly underwater) Able to stay completely under water several minutes Slightly webbed toes (four on the front, three on the back) Water immersion helps capybara regulate body temperature Front legs shorter than rear legs Nails strong, hoof like Body size and mass increases with a population's increased latitude Pelage and Skin Hunted for pelts in historic times and managed on ranches today Between 1960 and 1969, 1.5 million skins exported from Brazil Coloration generally reddish brown to grayish on upper parts, yellow-brown on undercarriage; some black on the face, outer limbs and rump Long, course, and sparse hair may help this water-loving animal dry when out of water Thin hair makes sunburn a problem; mud caked on hair

 offers protection Low number of sweat glands in skin plus large body size make thermal stress a problem Sexual Dimorphism Males more massive than females with similar length Males have large visible scent gland (the morrillo) on top of snout Morrillo used to rub on vegetation to mark territory May function also as status signal Larger morrillos associated with larger testes and greater sexual activity Females have same gland, but underdeveloped Other Physical Characteristics Teeth of capybara grow throughout life in all dimensions; cutting and grinding surfaces become more complex as animal ages BEHAVIOR & ECOLOGY (Lord-Rexford 1994) (Herrera & Macdonald 1989, 1993) (Macdonald 1981a, b) (Nowak 1999) (Ojasti 1991) (Rowe and Honeycutt 2002)(Tomazzoni et al 2005) Activity Cycle Resting close together at water's edge in morning Most grazing late afternoon and evening; graze in short sessions at night Rest in water or mud during the heat of the day After disturbances from humans, more nocturnal and shy Group size fluct

uates with wet/dry seasons Territory Size Territories remain very stable for several years Along rivers groups space themselves from 100 to 500 m (.06 to .3 mi.) apart Groups may occupy a home range from 2 to 200 hectares (4.9 to 494 acres) Average group uses 5 to 20 hectares (12.4 to 49.4 acres) In one study, each group used a home range averaging about 79 hectares and defended a territory of 9 hectares Density of capybara within their territories quite high compared to other tropical herbivores of similar size Biomass of capybara 10 times greater than similar sized grazing Bohr's reedbucks' biomass Density of capybara populations reflects high primary productivity of savanna habitats in Llanos of Venezuela Social Groups Social animals living in groups Dry season: up to 100 individual at water sources Wet season: group size up to 40 individuals Bonds between animals maintained by touching, grooming, scent marking, vocalizations High levels of sociality possibly a response to risk of predation and resource availability Capybara similar in this trait to South American desert and rock cavies and maras H

ierarchy Herds with dominant and subordinate males plus females and young Typical make-up of breeding groups: one male & 4 to 14 females Dominance positions very stable, lasting for years Dominant male may claim access to best water holes, parasite-eating birds, and females in estrus Largest males are usually dominant individuals Size not a factor in status among subordinate males Subordinate males tend to occupy positions on edges of resting groups, away from dominant male No bachelor groups Males not in groups have little protection from predators Outside the group, no chance for reproduction Territorial Behavior At least nine species of birds increase their feeding rate by associating with capybara Especially jacana, scarlet ibis, sharp-tailed Ibis, white Ibis, buff-necked ibis, swifts Egrets hunt from moving and stationary capybara's backs Swifts hunt low overhead or from capybara's head Researcher observed capybara soliciting tick-eating (Amblyomma spp.) by yellow-headed caracara Five bird species associated with capybara in order to find food.

(Tomazzoni et al 2005) Southern caracara, rufous hornero, cattle tyrant, yellow-headed caracara, shiny cowbird Strategies of the birds included using the capybara as a perch, walking with the capybara to catch flushed prey, foraging in capybara skin DIET & FEEDING (Barreto and Herrera 1998) (Borges & Colares) (Nowak 1999) (Quintana et al 1998) Anatomy and Physiology Digestive system similar to rabbit's Simple stomach Large intestinal pouch (caecum) with microorganisms for fermenting cellulose Excrete two kinds of feces Olive colored oval balls Also colorless, protein rich "paste" which is re-ingested for maximum digestion of nutrients (= coprophagy) Regurgitate and re-chew food while resting Front incisors crop native grasses too short for cattle Feeding Strategies and Food Items Are selective grazers; eat approximately 3 kg/day fresh forage, mainly grasses Tend to be more selective when more plant species available 80% of diet is only 5 species of grasses (Poaceae) Most common plant species

 in areas typically the ones eaten most often, especially in winter when fewer species available Various estimates for amount of aquatic plants in diet from .6 % to 87 % As wet season advances, more reeds and water hyacinths consumed Capybaras raid cultivated fields for grains, melons, squashes, bananas, sweet potatoes, manioc leaves and corn REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT (Macdonald and Herrera 2001) (Nogueira et al 1999) (Ojasti.

1968) (Paula et al 1999) (Rowlands and Weir 1974) (Weigl 2005) Courtship Female estrus cycle: every 7.5 days; remain receptive only 8 hours In mating season, dominant males conspicuously guard females When female in estrus, dominant male sniffs her frequently Female whistles when in estrus to attract males Mating season year round with peak at beginning of wet season Reproduction One litter/yr; two litters possible under good conditions Harem-based polygynous breeding (one dominant male, several females) Female pursued by male enters water and swims back and forth Pair mates in water; female often submerged for brief copulation Females not wanting to mate may dive deep enough to dislodge male Mating pair often interrupted by a second male Life span of male's sperm longer than that in most rodents; capybara mating system promotes sperm competition Group association essential for raising young; groups smaller than four adults fail to rear any young Gestation Life Stages Birth 4 to 5 pups most common; a breeding group may have 15 pups or more at one time At birth young weigh about 1,50

0 grams (3.3 lb) At birth all cheek teeth already erupted, with signs of wear (Kramarz 2002) Young can follow mother and eat grass shortly after being born (are precocial) Young nurse about 16 weeks Infant (< 1 year old) Young may suckle indiscriminately from several females; Small groups of young move about herd, nudging females until one stands to allow nursing Very young ride on females' backs' Very young avoid water where caimen and anaconda lurk Females spend a lot of time caring for young of different ages Juvenile Yearlings disperse from parents' group Subadult By 18 mos.

weigh about 40 kg (88 lb.) Adult Females sexually mature age 7 to 12 mos. Males between 15 and 24 mos. Longevity Average life span 7-10 years; In captivity in the Adelaide Zoo in Australia, 15 years One H. isthmius at the San Diego Zoo: 9 years, 6 mos. Mortality Preyed upon by foxes, bush dogs, feral dogs, ocelots, cayman, jaguars, eagles, caracaras, black vultures and human hunters Wild capybara, especially in Venezuela, are poached and illegally hunted more intensely in the weeks before Easter, when they are a sanctioned by the Catholic Church as a substitute for fish (because of their semi-aquatic habits).

Jaguars prey most often on young males at the periphery of the group (and furthest from the water) Infanticide in captive populations, but not in wild MANAGED CARE (Chapman 1991) (Nogueira et al 1999) Captive Breeding Zoo-raised capybara have higher survival rate than those in wild Females in captivity reach sexual maturity later than in wild (26 vs. 18 months) Capybaras bred in many zoos and also commercially for meat and skins in South America Some populations managed in natural areas Problems with enclosed or penned individuals Male/male aggression when overcrowded Hierarchical group social structure disrupted when new individuals introduced Infanticide by female pen mates Females' lack of experience not a factor No infanticide when females have been raised together (are familiar with each other) No aggression by females except at birth of pen mate's young POPULATION AND CONSERVATION STATUS 195 individuals/sq. km. ( 0.4 sq. mi) in southeastern Brazil wetlands Between 10 and 200 individuals/ sq.

km.(0.4 sq mi) in Venezuelan llanos Status in all areas depends on management practices Some areas allow controlled harvest and tolerate subsistence hunting Elsewhere all hunting prohibited but poaching may be common Protections enforced in other areas Management for cattle may improve habitat for capybara Populations considered a potential nuisance in east central Sao Paulo Brazil where they often live near humans Blamed for crop damage Associated with Brazilian Spotted Fever Conservation 1953: Hunting regulated in Venezuela 1967: Hunting prohibited in Brazil (Federal Law No. 5.197) but harvesting being considered to reduce population densities and impact on agriculture in some areas 1968: Venezuela develops management plan using studies of capybara biology and ecology 1980: Hunting prohibited in Columbia 2000: Central Suriname Nature Reserve established on North Atlantic coast of South America; 1.592 million hectares ( 6,146 sq mi.) IUCN Status 2006: Lower Risk; Conservation Dependent (1C).

Locally common; farmed for meat and skin in some areas CITES Status: Not listed Status not threatened at present, but habitat loss and hunting/farming need controls and monitoring Predators' declines due to habitat loss may offer short-term benefit to capybara populations Hunting often removes larger and older individuals from population (large males, pregnant females) and reduces group size Long-term effect: decrease in body size of hunted population Smaller groups mean fewer young survive per female Hunting drives normally savanah-dwelling animals to forested habitats where resources are not optimal Encroachment of human development Clear-cutting/burning, farming Human perception of their role in competing with cattle for food, as pests of sugarcane and rice mono cultures, or as carriers of diseases The Capybara Page Don't miss the perpetual capybara machine. The capybara, Hydrochoerus Hydrochaeris, is a semi-aquatic rodent of South America. It weighs about a hundred pounds, and is about 2 feet tall at the shoulder. To help you imagine the size of a capybara, click on the image to the right to see a picture including a human being (5 ft. tall) for scale.

The two capybaras on the right are adults, the rest are juveniles. More or Less Frequently Asked Questions: Click here for a page of capybara facts These pictures, including capybaras eating popcorn, were taken at Southwicks Wild Animal Farm in Mendon, Mass. (south of Worcester) which we recommend highly to the capybara-minded. The next pictures show capybaras engaging in typical behaviors like nursing, swimming, and having their exhibit cleaned at the Montreal Biodome. By the way, "capybara" is stressed on the third syllable. This picture of a handsome male clearly shows the scent gland on his snout which he probably uses to mark his territory (click to see a larger version). These pictures were taken at the Philadelphia Zoo. Click on this picture for more photographs of capybaras living the good life in California... And yet more pictures from: Disney's Animal Kingdom - click here Capybaras arriving at National Zoo, Washington, DC - unfortunately now they've left again, but click here for my fond memories of their arrival.

Kobe Zoo, Kobe, Japan - here Reston Zoo, Virginia - click here Capybara Literature Capyboppy , a book written and illustrated by Bill Peet, published in 1966, is the true story of a capybara who actually lived with the Peet family. We highly recommend this book to any capybara fan. It is required reading for anyone who is considering trying out a capybara at home. Quoted from The Mammals, A Guide to the Living Species by Desmond Morris, Harper & Row, New York, 1965: Looking rather like a cross between a Guinea-pig and a Hippopotamus, the Capybara is the largest of all the I,729 species of living rodents. Extinct forms of this animal were even bigger, but the pig-sized, surviving specimens can reach an adult weight of more than IOO lb., an overall length of 4 feet and a shoulder height of 21 inches. It lives in large groups along the river banks, where it grazes peacefully on the lush grasses and the aquatic vegetation.

It comes out on to dry land to rest and bask in the sun but at the first hint of danger the whole troop dashes into the water. Its worst enemies are the Puma and the Jaguar. Capybaras inhabiting the colder regions of South America have a long shaggy coat, but the typical form has the short, pale and rather coarse hair that can be seen in the above photograph. The face is very deep, the ears and tail are small and the feet are slightly webbed. There is a large bump in the middle of the top of the nose, which appears to be a scent gland of some kind. Capybaras adapt easily to life in captivity and become remarkably friendly. They are rather vocal for rodents, often giving vent to a series of strange clicks, squeaks and grunts. It is important that they should be provided with a pool, as they appear to have a strong resistance to defecating or mating on dry land. The gestation period is approximately 4 months and maximum longevity about 1O years. P.S.: Dr. Morris informs us that the capybara is his favorite rodent.

Click here for more information about capybaras in science and literature Not for the Squeamish We have read that capybaras may be eaten by Catholics during Lent in parts of South America, because they are aquatic. Fortunately, we have no pictures of this activity. According to Emilio Herrera, a biologist and capybara expert at Universidad Simon Bolivar in Caracas Venezuela: "It is true that capybaras are eaten during Lent, but only in Venezuela, and even there not everywhere. However, its dried and salted meat is highly appreciated and is a traditional lenten dish. The annual capybara harvest is legal and regulated by government. The well-designed management plan (based on a study by Juhani Ojasti published in 1973) has been in operation for many years and is very successful, contributing income to ranchers, meat for people, and not damaging their populations." More on capybara meat (and other products ) here .

Find a Capy Here is a list of zoos where you might be able to see capybaras, as reported by our readers, or which we've seen on our own visits, but this is several years old now and it is impossible to keep such a list up to date, so always phone ahead before visiting any zoo to avoid committing yourself to a wild rodent chase. ISIS no longer has a search function available to the public but like me, you can keep forlornly checking back hoping they will restore it. Submitted by other loyal capybara fans: These beauties at the Tregembo Zoo in North Carolina were sent in by journalist Jefferson Weaver. More contributions: Wonderful letter and pictures from Sao Paolo, Brazil, and a few more photos and emails sent in by fans, in a disorganized list that I am thinking deeply about revising. Once again the only capybara in Washington, DC (they have left the National Zoo due to reconstruction of the elephant house), this stuffed guy is still in the renovated Hall of Mammals, looking like it's barely been dusted off in all that shiny new company.

The Call of the Capy A sound clip sent by BSweet who also has video footage of the capys in Springfield. If you are interested, you can drop him a line. A capybara in a canoe. This picture is so good it needs its own link. Capybaras on the Loose: Some reports of capybaras in the wild in the US that have been sent to me are here . A few more capybara links: Capybara Music: The link about the old musical group The Cappy Bara Boys has vanished, so I give you instead Capybara by Shonen Knife. Click here for some remarkable capybara pictures, but only if you think you can resist the temptation to want a pet capybara even after seeing a picture of a baby capy wearing a bib. We really don't want to be encouraging people to think capybaras make good pets. Click here for a site that sells capybaras. We include this information because we do get asked... but please be responsible in all your animal purchases, OK? A good resource for how much work it is to own your own capybara is Caplin Rous' pages linked to up at the top.

A nightmare a capybara might have Shopping: ï¿½ Buy lovely capybara buttons and magnets (other good animals too) ï¿½ Wonderful capybara print by Will Bullas Capybaras - the largest rodents Capybaras Capybaras This rodent from South America is the largest in the world. A capybara can get close to 80 kg (175 pounds) but as intimidating as it might look, they are mostly shy and tame creatures. Capybaras are also known as water hogs. As the name suggests, they are usually found near swamps and water holes. The water provides a refuge from the midday heat. Capybaras taking a bath Capybaras are excellent swimmers. Their eyes and ears are positioned high on the head, so they can see and hear easily while swimming. Capybaras also have webbing between their fingers and toes, which helps them paddle. When frightened, they can remain underwater for several minutes.

During the dry season—when water holes are few and far between—as many as 30 to 50 capybaras may gather around a single mud puddle.When the rains arrive, the animals break off into smaller groups. Typically, each family group includes one adult male and one or more females, with their young. Bachelor males often band together in separate groups. Each day the capybara troops must travel long distances in search of food. Yet they nearly always return to the same spot at night. In some places, ranchers kill the creature just because it competes with cows and sheep for grass. As a result of overhunting, capybaras have nearly disappeared in parts of their range. Some countries, like Venezuela, have begun protecting the animal, as well as breeding it in captivity. Class Mammalia - Animal Kingdom Animal Kingdom CLASS MAMMALIA - includes all animals with mammary glands … Mammals are members of class Mammalia, air-breathing vertebrate animals characterized by the possession of endothermy , hair , three middle ear bones , and mammary glands functional in mothers with young. Most mammals also possess sweat glands and specialized teeth .

The largest group of mammals, the placentals , have a placenta which feeds the offspring during gestation. The mammalian brain, with its characteristic neocortex , regulates endothermic and circulatory systems , the latter featuring red blood cells lacking nuclei and a four-chambered heart . Mammals range in size from the 30–40 millimeter (1- to 1.5-inch) bumblebee bat to the 33-meter (108-foot) blue whale . The word " mammal " is modern, from the scientific name Mammalia coined by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, derived from the Latin mamma ("teat, pap"). All female mammals nurse their young with milk, which is secreted from special glands , the mammary glands . M L S Except for the five species of monotremes (which lay eggs), all living mammals give birth to live young. Most mammals, including the six most species-rich orders, belong to the placental group.

The three largest orders, in descending order, are Rodentia ( mice , rats , porcupines , beavers , capybaras , and other gnawing mammals), Chiroptera (bats), and Soricomorpha ( shrews , moles and solenodons ). The next three largest orders, depending on the classification scheme used, are the primates , to which the human species belongs, the Cetartiodactyla (including the even-toed hoofed mammals and the whales ), and the Carnivora ( cats , dogs , weasels , bears , seals , and their relatives). Quick Facts on Mammals 1. Mammals are animals that have skin covered with hair. 2. Mammals are viviparous – young are born alive. 3. Mother mammals nourish their babies with milk thru mammary glands. 4. Mammals are heterodonts – have a variety of specialized teeth (incisors, canines, premolars, and molars) and strong jaws. 5. Most mammals are placental – the embryo develops internally in a uterus to the mother by a placenta. 6.

Some are marsupial – in the very early part of the embryonic development the young are born and completes its development in the mother’s pouch 7. One very unusual is the duck-billed platypus is monotreme – its egg laying. 8. Many mammals are terrestrial. 9. Others are aquatic. 10. A few are aerial. 11. Some are domesticated. 13. Mammals are the only animals with an outer ear just like the hare. 14. Pandas eat lots of bamboo up to 12 hours everyday. 15. Moose are the biggest of all the deer. 16. Despite the hump, a camel’s spine is straight. 17. Porcupines float in water. 18. A cat’s jaws cannot move sideway 19. Koala sleeps 20 hours each day. 20. Bats are the only flying mammals. 21. Kangaroos cannot walk backwards. 22. Chimps are the only animals that can recognize themselves in a mirror. 23. Elephants have been known to remain standing when they die.

Question: A Capybara belongs to which order or class of animals?
Answer: RODENTS