The capybara,also known as carpincho or water hog,is the largest living rodent , weighing up to 80kg in the wild and even more in captivity. This sole member of the Hydrochoeridae family is a close relative of the guinea pig and the rock cavy.It is native to the savannas and dense forests across South America, except Chile.
This semi-aquatic mammal lives near water bodies. When it senses danger, it gallops to the closest deep one, jumps into it and disappeares , to resurface far away from the predator. It can sleep in water too, with just its eyes and nostrils above the water. It has slightly webbed toes- three on the rear feet and four on the front. It is agile on land also. The herbivore's teeth grow continuously.
It wears them down by grazing on grasses and aquatic and other plants. It also eats its own faeces in the morning , when it is rich in protein and vitamins. This social animal has a variety of calls, including barks, whistles and whines.
The capybara is quite adaptive but since it does not have fat reserves or a thick coat (it doesn't have down hair either), it cannot endure harsh cold climates. Though it is often hunted for its meat and pelt, it is still not a threatened species.
This semi-aquatic mammal lives near water bodies. When it senses danger, it gallops to the closest deep one, jumps into it and disappeares , to resurface far away from the predator. It can sleep in water too, with just its eyes and nostrils above the water. It has slightly webbed toes- three on the rear feet and four on the front. It is agile on land also. The herbivore's teeth grow continuously.
The capybara is quite adaptive but since it does not have fat reserves or a thick coat (it doesn't have down hair either), it cannot endure harsh cold climates. Though it is often hunted for its meat and pelt, it is still not a threatened species.
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