Did you know?
Capybaras are the largest living rodents in the world. They live in small herds and are both diurnal and crepuscular. Males can be recognized by a very pronounced scent gland located on the snout, which is used to mark their territory. When faced with danger, capybaras gallop off into the water. They have slightly webbed feet and are excellent swimmers and divers.
Characteristics
| Classification | Order: rodents, family: caviidae |
|---|---|
| Diet | Predominantly grasses and aquatic plants, as well as leaves, woody plants, branches, seeds, nuts and fruit. To maximise nutrition, they eat their own pre-digested soft and sticky faeces. |
| Habitat | Landscapes with water and dense vegetation, such as wet grasslands, swamps, marshes as well as woodlands with plenty of undergrowth and scrublands |
| Reproduction | Gestation period: ca. 5 months; one litter per year with 2–8 young, suckled for 3 months |
Status according to Red List
More information you will get on the web page of the IUCN Red List.
