Mammal · GBIF taxon 5786666
Capybara
Hydrochoerus hydrochaerisAlso known as Greater Capybara, Carpincho, Chigüire
Capybaras are highly social rodents that form dominant-led herds along South American riverbanks and wetlands. Webbed feet and facial features situated high on the head adapt them perfectly for a semiaquatic life spent swimming, grazing, and evading terrestrial predators. Known for their relaxed demeanor, these giant rodents communicate through a rich array of barks, whistles, click sounds, and purrs.
SocialSemiaquaticHerbivore
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Aquatic grasses
- Reeds
- Fallen fruit
Predators
- Jaguar
- Green Anaconda
- Black Caiman
ThreatsHabitat destruction, water pollution, and poaching for hides and meat
HabitatsWetlands, flooded grasslands, river margins, and swamp forests
Life span7–10 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderRodentia
- FamilyCaviidae
- GenusHydrochoerus
- SpeciesHydrochoerus hydrochaeris
Native
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Generally docile, but wild individuals can inflict severe bites with long incisors if cornered.
- Why it is dangerous
- Large size and sharp, ever-growing incisors can inflict deep lacerations if an animal feels cornered or protects young.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Barrel-shaped body covered in coarse reddish-brown hair, with a boxy snout and webbed feet.
- What to do
- Observe quietly from a safe distance, never attempt to pet wild individuals, and yield space near water.
Responsible observation
- Distance: Keep a respectful distance of at least 10 meters, especially when young are present.
- Water Boundaries: Avoid blocking their direct escape path to deep water when viewing near shorelines.
- Noise Control: Speak softly and move slowly to avoid triggering an alarm call that startles the herd.
Predator (c) Charles J. Sharp , some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Predator MKAMPIS / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative "lesser capybara" by Anthony Batista is licensed under CC BY 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Kacper Aleksander, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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