Mammal · GBIF taxon 5786667
Lesser Capybara
Hydrochoerus isthmiusAlso known as Isthmian Capybara
Lesser capybaras are semi-aquatic rodents that thrive along riverbanks and swamps across northern South America and Panama. Living in close-knit family groups, they graze on aquatic vegetation and retreat into water at any hint of danger. While smaller than their southern relatives, they share the same webbed toes, soft vocalizations, and calm amphibious nature.
Semi-AquaticSocialHerbivore
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Data DeficientConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXData Deficient — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Herbivorous (aquatic grasses, reeds, plant stems)
Predators
- Jaguar
- Anaconda
- Spectacled Caiman
ThreatsHabitat destruction, agricultural expansion, hunting
HabitatsMarshes, riverbanks, swamps, tropical wetlands
Life span8–12 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCaviidae
- SpeciesHydrochoerus isthmius
Native
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Can bite defensively with powerful incisors if cornered; observe from a safe distance.
Responsible observation
- Maintain Distance: Keep a peaceful space so groups remain calm and do not flush into deep water.
- Scan the Shallows: Look along reedy banks and muddy river edges during early morning grazing hours.
- Listen for Alarm Barks: Pay attention to sudden low barks that signal an alert group member.
Predator (c) gailhampshire, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative "Capybara" by lorentey is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Family Relative (c) Gonzalo Roget, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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