Mammals · Rodentia · Caviidae

Capybara

Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

It is the largest rodent in the world, able to top 65 kg. Its cooperative breeding is exceptional: the young gather in a collective crèche where several adults share the watching and the nursing.

Weight

35 kg – 66 kg

Size

1.1 m – 1.3 m

Lifespan

4 years

Diet

Herbivore

Feeds mainly on plants.

Activity

Irregular activity

Active at irregular times, by day or night depending on circumstances.

Social structure

Herd

Lives in large groups as a strategy against predators.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

RainforestFreshwaterHerbivore Variable activity In herds Rainforest Freshwater Mammal

14countries 4parks3same family2featured routes

Fun facts

anatomíaIt is the largest rodent in the world, and its eyes, ears and nostrils all sit high on its head, so it can stay almost completely submerged while keeping watch.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (mammal)
Habitat & environment: Wooded country close to water throughout South America: rivers, lakes, marshes and wetlands
Birth weight: 1.5 kg
Size at birth: Extremely precocial — born with its eyes open and a full set of teeth, walking and grazing within hours
Sexual maturity: 12-18 months (male) | 7-12 months (female), though effective maturity depends on reaching 30-40 kg rather than on age
Gestation / incubation: 150 days (~5 months)
Litter / clutch size: 1 to 8 young per litter (most commonly 4-5)
Lifespan in captivity: Documented record of up to 12-15.1 years in captivity

Sources consulted: AnAge; USGS Species Profile; Capybara Care Manual; Fishi-pedia; Nature Table; Animal Diversity Web; Animal Spot; SDZWA Library Fact Sheet; Cape May County NJ