Capybara

The Capybara is the largest rodent in the world! Native to the wetlands and rainforests of South America, this semiaquatic herbivore is never too far from a body of water.

Capybaras are social animals and live in groups as large as 100 individuals. These groups may be led by a dominant male who mates with more females than the other males in the group.

Baby Capybaras are called “pups.” Females give birth to 1–8 pups per litter.

Like all other rodents, the Capybara’s teeth grow continuously throughout its lifetime. These teeth are worn down through a diet of coarse vegetation.

The animals that prey on Capybaras include jaguars, eagles, caimans and anacondas. Capable of holding its breath for up to five minutes, the Capybara can submerge itself underwater to escape predators.

Diet: Grasses, fruits and bark