Which is the Largest Rodent in the World?

Capybara is the largest rodent in the world. It is a semi-aquatic mammal found in South America. The average adult weighs 35 to 66 kg. They are social animals and are found in large colonies near water bodies.

Largest Rodent in the World: Key Facts at a Glance

What is the scientific name of the Capybara?

Capybara's scientific name is Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris. This name is derived from Greek words meaning water hog.

It is a member of the genus Hydrochoerus. A genus is a family of animals that have similar physical characteristics. Although named water hog does not mean that it is a pig. It is a member of the rodent family.

Capybara: Habitat

These are giant rodents that inhabit the continent of South America, in all countries except Chile. Capibaras like to inhabit savannas and dense forests near water.

They are semi-aquatic mammals. This means that they need water to keep their dry skin moist. They also dive into rivers to escape predators such as jaguars or eagles.

Capybara: Physical Features

The capybara's body is stout and barrel-shaped. Its head is short with a blunt snout. They have coarse, reddish brown fur.

They have slightly webbed feet. Webbed feet are feet that have skin between the toes, these assist in swimming. These feet also enable them to be able to walk on soft muddy ground without getting bogged down. 

They have their eyes, ears and nostrils on the top of their heads which enables them to look out for predators while hiding half of the body in water.

Capybara: Food Habits

Capybaras are herbivores and mainly eat grasses and aquatic plants. An adult Capybara may consume as much as 4 kg of grass a day. They also eat fruit and tree bark, in addition to grass. Capybara teeth continue to grow throughout its life.

Capybara: Socializing and Communication

Capybaras are very social animals. They are typically found in group of 10-30 at a time. These groups may be as large as 100 members during the dry season.

They speak to each other with various sounds. These sounds are barks, whistles and grunts. They swim well and hold their breath for 5 minutes. This skill helps them stay safe from predators and also reduce body heat in summer months.

5 Interesting Facts About Capybaras

1. Capybaras are closely related to Guinea pigs and rock cavies.

2. Capybaras are excellent swimmers because of the slightly webbed feet they possess. They can even hold their breath underwater for 5 minutes.

3. The capybaras have their eyes, ears and nostrils at the top of their head, this arrangement makes them able to keep most of their body underwater and yet see, hear and breathe.

4. Capybaras are very friendly as demonstrated by their interaction with other animals and birds.

5. Capybaras eat their own poop, this practice of eating one’s own poop is called cecotrophy. This process helps in gaining additional nutrients from the grass consumed.

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