Species · GBIF taxon 5786666
Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris
hydrochoerus hydrochaerisAlso known as Greater Capybara, Carpincho, Chigüire, Water Hog
Capybaras are highly social rodents that live in stable groups of ten to thirty individuals, communicating through a complex system of barks, whistles, and purrs. Their partially webbed feet and facial features positioned high on the head allow them to swim gracefully while keeping eyes, ears, and nostrils above water. These gentle giants act as ecological engineers, grazing down riverside vegetation and providing a vital food source for South America's apex predators.
SemiaquaticSocialHerbivore
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasses, aquatic plants, fruit, and tree bark
Predators
- Jaguar
- Anaconda
- Caiman
ThreatsHabitat loss, water pollution, and hunting for meat and hides
HabitatsSavannas, dense forests, swamps, marshes, and riversides
Life span8 to 10 years in the wild, up to 12 years in captivity
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderRodentia
- FamilyCaviidae
- GenusHydrochoerus
- Specieshydrochoerus hydrochaeris
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Possesses sharp incisors and can bite defensively if cornered; maintain a respectful distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with long, continuously growing incisors that can inflict deep puncture wounds if they feel threatened or cornered.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a giant, barrel-shaped rodent with a blunt snout, short legs, and partially webbed feet near water.
- What to do
- Never attempt to pet, feed, or corner wild individuals, particularly mothers with offspring.
Responsible observation
- Observe from a distance: Give them space, especially when they are with their young or near water.
- Listen for vocalizations: Listen for their distinct barks, whistles, and clicks used to communicate.
- Watch their behavior: Notice how they use water as a refuge, diving to escape perceived threats.
Predator MKAMPIS / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Predator (c) gailhampshire, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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
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