Capybaraカピバラ

Species Data

Classification

Rodentia / Caviidae Source

Distribution

The capybara is native to nearly every South American country except Chile, inhabiting savannas, wetlands, and gallery forests near freshwater throughout the Amazon basin and beyond. Source

Did You Know?

• In 1982, staff at Japan's Izu Shaboten Zoo observed a capybara relaxing in a hot spring, an incident that gave rise to the now-famous Japanese tradition of capybara hot-spring exhibits. Source
• Within a group, females that are not the mother will sometimes nurse another female's young, reflecting the species' cooperative social structure. Source
• Capybaras can hold their breath underwater for more than five minutes to evade predators. Source

Transferred or Residency Unconfirmed

FAQ

How big is a capybara?

Capybaras are the largest living rodents, measuring about 106 to 134 cm in body length and typically weighing 35 to 66 kg, with the heaviest wild female on record reaching 91 kg. Source

Why do capybaras like water so much?

They are semiaquatic animals that rest in water during the heat of the day, can hold their breath for more than five minutes to escape predators, and rely on wetland habitats for food and safety. Source

Are capybaras endangered?

No. The IUCN classifies capybaras as Least Concern, and their population remains stable across most of their South American range, though they are hunted in some areas for meat and pelts. Source