Difference between revisions of "Capybara" - New World Encyclopedia

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| species = '''''H. hydrochaeris'''''
 
| species = '''''H. hydrochaeris'''''
 
| binomial = ''Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris''
 
| binomial = ''Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris''
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| binomial_authority = ([[Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], [[1766]])
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| binomial_authority = ([[Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], 1766)
 
| range_map = Capybara-range.png
 
| range_map = Capybara-range.png
 
| range_map_width = 200px
 
| range_map_width = 200px
 
| range_map_caption = Capybara range
 
| range_map_caption = Capybara range
 
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}}
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'''Capybara''' is the common name for a large, semi-aquatic rodent, ''Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris'', of  Central America and tropical South America, charaterized by short legs with partially webbed feet, small ears, a blunt nose, and a rudimentary tail. Known as the '''carpincho''' in [[Spanish]] and '''capivara''' in [[Portuguese]], ''H. hydrochaeris'' is the largest living rodent (order [[Rodentia]]. It belongs to the Caviidae family, which also includes the [[guinea pig]] and [[cavy]].
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'''Capybara''' is the common name for a large, semi-aquatic [[rodent]], ''Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris,'' of  Central America and tropical South America, characterized by short legs with partially webbed feet, small ears, a blunt nose, and almost no tail. Known as the '''carpincho''' in [[Spanish]] and '''capivara''' in [[Portuguese]], ''H. hydrochaeris'' is the largest living rodent (order [[Rodentia]]). It belongs to the Caviidae family, which also includes the [[guinea pig]] and [[cavy]]. (In some taxonomies, it is placed in its own family of Hydrochaeridae.)
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The capybara's unique [[adaptation]]s and large size help to make it one of the better known animals in the world. Because its size and superficial appearance, people sometimes are surprised to learn that it is a rodent rather than a relative of the [[pig]]. Remarkably, it has been classified as a [[fish]] in the [[Catholic]] religion, a fact that made it historically popular during times when tradition dictated the eating of fish (Lent, Fridays).
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{{toc}}
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Capybaras provide value for the [[ecosystem]] as part of [[food chain]]s, converting vegetative matter into forms consumed by predators such as [[jaguar]]s, [[caiman]]s, and [[anaconda]]s. For humans, they have been used as food and as a source of leather, and they add to the human wonder of nature.
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
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The capybara is the only living species in its [[genus]], ''Hydrochoerus.'' Its common name, capybara in English and ''capivara'' in Portuguese, derives from ''Kapiÿva'' in the [[Guarani]] Indian [[language]], meaning "Lord of the grass" (Bradford, 2016), perhaps reflecting the fact that [[grass]]es are the favorite food of this rodent. Its scientific name ''hydrochaeris.'' is [[Latin]] for "water hog" (Bradford 2016), reflecting its semi-aquatic existence and its superficial resemblance to a [[pig]]. However, capybaras are [[rodent]]s (Order Rodentia), classified with [[rat]]s, [[mice]], and [[squirrel]]s.
  
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The capybara is the only living species in its [[genus]], ''Hydrochoerus''. Its common name, capybara in English and capivara in Portuguese, derives from ''Kapiÿva'' in the Guarani Indian [[language]], meaning "Lord of the grass" (JP 2007), perhaps reflecting the fact that [[grass]]es are the favorite food of this  rodent (BZ 2007). Its scientific name ''hydrochaeris'', is [[Latin]] for "water hog" (CZ 2007), reflecting it semi-aquatic existence and its superficial resemblance to a [[pig]]. However, capybaras are [[rodent]]s (Order Rodentia), classified with [[rat]]s, [[mice]], and [[squirrel]]s.
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Capybara are found wild in much of [[South America]] (including [[Panama]], Columbia, Venezuela, Brazil, [[Argentina]], [[French Guiana]], [[Uruguay]], [[Peru]], and [[Paraguay]]. They can be found in densely [[forest]]ed areas near bodies of [[water]], such as [[lake]]s, [[river]]s, [[swamp]]s, [[pond]]s, and [[marsh]]es, such as [[flood]]ed [[savanna]] and along rivers in [[tropic]]al forest. The population of capybaras in the Brazilian [[Pantanal]], the world's largest [[wetland]] system, is estimated to approach one half million (Swarts 2000).
  
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Capybara are found wild in much of [[South America]] (including [[Panama]], Columbia, Venezuela, Brazil, [[Argentina]], [[French Guyana]], [[Uruguay]], [[Peru]], and [[Paraguay]] (BZ 2007). They can be found in densely [[forest]]ed areas near bodies of [[water]], such as [[lake]]s, [[river]]s, [[swamp]]s, [[pond]]s, and [[marsh]]es (NZP 2007), such as [[flood]]ed [[savannah]] and along rivers in [[tropic]]al forest (BBC 2007). The population of capybaras in the Brazilian [[Pantanal]], the world's largest [[wetland]] system, is estimated to approach one half million (Swarts 2000).
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Capybaras have heavy, [[barrel]]-shaped [[body|bodies]], and [[short]] [[head]]s with [[red]]dish-[[brown]] [[fur]] on the upper part of their body that turns [[yellow]]ish-brown underneath. Capybaras have slightly webbed [[feet]] and only a rudimentary tail; their back [[leg]]s are slightly longer than their front legs and their [[muzzle]]s are [[blunt]] with [[eye]]s, [[nostril]]s, and [[ear]]s on the [[dorsal]] (top) of their head.  Capybaras have a total of 20 [[teeth]]. Like other rodents, the front teeth of capybaras grow continually to compensate for the constant wearing-down of eating grasses.
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{{readout||right|250px|Capybaras are the largest extant [[rodent]]s in the world}}
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Adult capybaras are the largest extant rodents. They may [[grow]] more than four feet (130 centimeters) long and 50 centimeters tall (1.6 feet), and commonly weigh more than 50 kilograms (110 pounds) (Magalhaes 1992). [[Female]]s are slightly heavier than [[males]].
  
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Capybaras have heavy, [[barrel]]-shaped [[body|bodies]], and [[short]] [[head]]s with [[red]]dish-[[brown]] [[fur]] on the upper part of their body that turns [[yellow]]ish-brown underneath. Capybaras have slightly [[webb]]ed [[feet]] and only a rudimentary tail; their back [[leg]]s are slightly longer than their front legs and their [[muzzle]]s are [[blunt]] with [[eye]]s, [[nostril]]s, and [[ear]]s on the [[dorsal]] (top) of their [[head]] (BBC 2007).  Capybaras have a total of 20 [[teeth]]. Like other rodents, the front teeth of capybaras grow continually to compensate for the constant wearing-down of eating grasses (BZ 2007).
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Though now [[extinct]], there once existed even larger capybaras that were eight times the size of modern capybaras; these [[rodent]]s would have been larger than a modern day [[grizzly bear]]).
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Adult capybaras are the largest extant rodents. They may [[grow]] more than four feet (130 centimeters) long and 50 centimeters tall (1.6 feet), and commonly weigh more than 50 kilograms (110 pounds) (NZP 2007; Magalhaes 1992). [[Female]]s are slightly heavier than [[males]] (CZ 2007).
 
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Though now [[extinct]], there once existed even larger capybaras that were eight times the size of modern capybaras; these [[rodent]]s would have been larger than a modern day [[grizzly bear]]) (BBC 2007).
 
  
 
== Life cycle and behavior==
 
== Life cycle and behavior==
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Capybaras reach sexual maturity within 18 months and breed when conditions are right, which can be once per [[year]] (such as in [[Brazil]]) or throughout the year (such as in [[Venezuela]] and [[Colombia]]). The male pursues a female and mounts when the female stops in water.
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[[Image:Capybara Hattiesburg Zoo (70909b-58) 2560x1600.jpg|thumb|350px|left|Capybara lounging in a shallow pool at the Hattiesburg Zoo in Hattiesburg, [[Mississippi]].]]
  
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Capybara [[gestation]] is 130-150 days and usually produces a litter of four capybara babies (Magalhaes 1992). Birth is on land and the female will rejoin the group within a few hours of delivering the newborn capybaras, who will join the group as soon as they are mobile. Within a week the young can eat grass, but will continue to [[suckle]] from any female in the group until weaned at about 16 weeks. Youngsters will form a group within the main group (BBC 2007; BZ 2007).  
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The capybara is a [[herbivore]] (more [[specific]]ally, a [[graminivore]], grazing mainly on grasses and [[aquatic plants]], as well as [[fruits]] and [[tree]] [[bark]]. Capybaras eat their own [[feces]] in the morning in order to help digest the [[cellulose]] in the grass that forms their normal [[diet]]. During midday, as [[temperature]]s increase, capybaras wallow in water to keep cool and then graze in late afternoons and early evenings. They sleep little, usually dozing off and on throughout the day and grazing into and through the night.  
  
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Capybaras are [[social]] animals, usually found in groups, between 10 and 30 (though looser groups of up to 100 sometimes can be formed),<ref name="BBC">[http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/594.shtml British Broadcasting Network ''Science and Nature: Animals (Capybara)'']</ref> controlled by a dominant male<ref name="Smithsonian">[http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Amazonia/Facts/capybarafacts.cfm Smithsonian National Zoological Park, ''Capybara facts'']</ref> (who will have a prominent [[scent]] [[gland]] on his nose<ref name="BBC">[http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/594.shtml British Broadcasting Network ''Science and Nature: Animals (Capybara)'']</ref> used for [[smear]]ing his scent on the grasses in his territory<ref name="Bristol">[http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/learning/animals/mammals/capybara Bristol Zoo Gardens (UK) ''Capybara'']</ref>). They [[communicate]] through a [[combination]] of scent and [[sound]], being very [[vocal]] animals with [[purr]]s and [[alarm]] [[bark]]s,<ref name="BBC">[http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/594.shtml British Broadcasting Network ''Science and Nature: Animals (Capybara)'']</ref> [[whistle]]s and [[click]]s, squeals and [[grunt]]s.<ref name="Bristol">[http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/learning/animals/mammals/capybara Bristol Zoo Gardens (UK) ''Capybara'']</ref>
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Capybaras are excellent swimmers and can [[survive]] completely underwater for up to five minutes (Bradford 2016), an ability they will use to evade predators. If necessary, a capybara can [[sleep]] almost submerged, keeping its nose just at the [[waterline]].
  
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Capybaras are excellent [[swim]]mers<ref name="Hattiesburg">Hattiesburg Zoo, Hattiesburg, Mississippi ([[:Image:Capybara Hattiesburg Zoo (70909b-49) 1280x800.jpg|''Capybara exhibit marker'']])</ref> and can [[survive]] completely [[underwater]] for up to five minutes,<ref name="Smithsonian">[http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Amazonia/Facts/capybarafacts.cfm Smithsonian National Zoological Park, ''Capybara facts'']</ref> an [[ability]] they will use to [[evade]] [[predators]].<ref name="Hattiesburg">Hattiesburg Zoo, Hattiesburg, Mississippi ([[:Image:Capybara Hattiesburg Zoo (70909b-49) 1280x800.jpg|''Capybara exhibit marker'']])</ref> If necessary, a Capybara can [[sleep]] underwater, keeping its nose just at the [[waterline]].<ref name="Hattiesburg">Hattiesburg Zoo, Hattiesburg, Mississippi ([[:Image:Capybara Hattiesburg Zoo (70909b-49) 1280x800.jpg|''Capybara exhibit marker'']])</ref>
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Capybaras have a [[lifespan]] of four to eight years in the wild, but average a life less than four years as they are a favorite prey of [[jaguar]]s, [[anaconda]]s, [[puma]]s, [[ocelot]]s, [[caiman]]s, and [[eagle]]s.
  
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Capybaras eat their own [[feces]] in the [[morning]] in order to help [[digest]] the [[cellulose]] in the grass that forms their [[normal]] [[diet]]. During [[midday]], as [[temperature]]s increase, Capybaras wallow in water to keep cool and then [[graze]] in late [[afternoon]]s and early [[evening]]s. They sleep little, usually dozing off and on throughout the day and grazing into and through the [[night]].<ref name="BBC">[http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/594.shtml British Broadcasting Network ''Science and Nature: Animals (Capybara)'']</ref>
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Capybaras are [[social]] animals, usually found in groups, between 10 and 30 (though looser groups of up to 100 sometimes can be formed). Magalhaes (1992) reports that in the [[Pantanal]], the social groups average between 8 and 16 individuals. They are controlled by a dominant male, who will have a prominent [[scent]] [[gland]] on his nose (known as a morillo), used for smearing his scent on the grasses in his territory (Bradford 2016). Members in a group communicate through a combination of scent and sound, being very [[vocal]] animals with purrs and alarm barks,, as well as whistles, clicks, squeals, and grunts.  
  
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Capybaras reach sexual maturity within 18 months and breed when conditions are right, which can be once per [[year]] (such as in [[Brazil]]) or throughout the year (such as in [[Venezuela]] and [[Colombia]]). The male pursues a female and mounts when the female stops in water.
  
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Capybara is a [[herbivore]] (more [[specific]]ally, a [[graminivore]]<ref name="Bristol">[http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/learning/animals/mammals/capybara Bristol Zoo Gardens (UK) ''Capybara'']</ref>), grazing mainly on grasses and [[aquatic plants]],<ref name="Smithsonian">[http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Amazonia/Facts/capybarafacts.cfm Smithsonian National Zoological Park, ''Capybara facts'']</ref> as well as [[fruits]] and [[tree]] [[bark]].<ref name="Hattiesburg">Hattiesburg Zoo, Hattiesburg, Mississippi ([[:Image:Capybara Hattiesburg Zoo (70909b-49) 1280x800.jpg|''Capybara [[exhibit]] marker'']])</ref> An adult capybara will eat six to eight pounds of grasses per day.<ref name="rebsig-questionable-resource">[http://www.rebsig.com/capybara/capyfacts.htm ''Capybara fact sheet'']</ref>
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Capybara [[gestation]] is 130-150 days and usually produces a litter of four capybara babies (Magalhaes 1992). Birth is on land and the female will rejoin the group within a few hours of delivering the newborn capybaras, who will join the group as soon as they are mobile. Within a week the young can eat grass, but will continue to [[suckle]] from any female in the group until weaned at about 16 weeks. Youngsters will form a group within the main group.
  
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[[Image:Capybara Hattiesburg Zoo (70909b-58) 2560x1600.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Capybara [[lounge|lounging]] in a [[shallow]] [[pool]] at the [[Hattiesburg Zoo]] in [[Hattiesburg, MS|Hattiesburg]], [[Mississippi]].]]
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== Conservation and human interactions ==
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Capybara are not on the [[IUCN]] list and thus not considered a [[threatened]] species; their [[population]] is stable through most of their South American ranges, though in some areas [[hunting]] has reduced their numbers.
  
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Capybaras can be found in many areas in [[zoo]]s and [[park]]s, sometimes allowed to roam freely and may live for 12 years in [[captivity]]. Capybaras are gentle animals and will usually allow humans to pet and hand-feed them.
  
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== Conservation ==
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[[Image:Capybara Hattiesburg Zoo (70909b-48) 640x400.jpg|thumb|350px|left|Capy relaxing in his water pool at the Hattiesburg (Mississippi) Zoo.]]
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Capybara are not on the [[IUCN]] list <ref name="Chester">[http://www.chesterzoo.org/animals.asp?ID=36 Chester Zoo (UK) ''Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)'']</ref> and thusly not considered a [[threatened]] species; their [[population]] is stable through most of their South American ranges, though in some areas [[hunting]] has reduced their numbers.<ref name="Bristol">[http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/learning/animals/mammals/capybara Bristol Zoo Gardens (UK) ''Capybara'']</ref><ref name="Smithsonian">[http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Amazonia/Facts/capybarafacts.cfm Smithsonian National Zoological Park, ''Capybara facts'']</ref> They have a [[lifespan]] of 4-8 years in the wild<ref name="Hattiesburg">Hattiesburg Zoo, Hattiesburg, Mississippi ([[:Image:Capybara Hattiesburg Zoo (70909b-49) 1280x800.jpg|''Capybara exhibit marker'']])</ref> but average a life less than four years as they are "a favourite [[food]] of [[anacondas]], [[jaguar]], [[puma]], [[ocelot]], [[eagle]] and [[caiman]]."<ref name="Bristol">[http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/learning/animals/mammals/capybara Bristol Zoo Gardens (UK) ''Capybara'']</ref>
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Capybaras are hunted for their [[meat]] and skins in some areas, and otherwise killed by [[human]]s who see their grazing as [[competition]] for [[livestock]]. The skins are turned into a high-quality leather. Capybara meat may be dried and salted, then shredded and seasoned (Lipske 2006). Considered a [[delicacy]], it is often served with [[rice]] and [[plantains]] (Ellsworth 2005). In some areas, capybaras are [[farming|farmed]], which has the effect of insuring that the [[wetland]] [[habitat]]s are [[protected]]. Their [[survival]] is aided by their ability to breed rapidly.
  
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Capybaras are hunted for their [[meat]] and skins in some areas, and otherwise killed by [[human]]s who see their grazing as [[competition]] for [[livestock]]. In some areas they are [[farming|farmed]], which has the effect of insuring that the [[wetland]] [[habitats]] are [[protected]]. Their [[survival]] is aided by their ability to breed rapidly.<ref name="Bristol">[http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/learning/animals/mammals/capybara Bristol Zoo Gardens (UK) ''Capybara'']</ref>
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During the [[Catholic]] observation of [[Lent]], during which consumption of meats and oils are traditionally avoided, capybara meat is especially popular as the [[church]] [[classify|classified]] the animal as a [[fish]] in the sixteenth century, and has never reversed this erroneous classification (Ellsworth 2005; JP 2007).
  
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== Captivity ==
 
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Capybaras can be found in many areas in [[zoo]]s and [[park]]s, sometimes allowed to roam freely and may live for 12 years in [[captivity]].<ref name="BBC">[http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/594.shtml British Broadcasting Network ''Science and Nature: Animals (Capybara)'']</ref><ref name="Bristol">[http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/learning/animals/mammals/capybara Bristol Zoo Gardens (UK) ''Capybara'']</ref>
 
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=== Where to find ===
 
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[[Image:Capybara Hattiesburg Zoo (70909b-49) 1280x800.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Capybara exhibit marker at the Hattiesburg Zoo in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Hattiesburg has two Capybara in a fenced Capybara exhibit area.]]
 
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* Three capybaras live at the [[Smithsonian]] Zoological Park's [[elephant]] [[house]] (as of 09/2006).<ref name="Smithsonian">[http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Amazonia/Facts/capybarafacts.cfm Smithsonian National Zoological Park, ''Capybara facts'']</ref>
 
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* Two capybaras live at the [[Hattiesburg Zoo]] in [[Hattiesburg, Mississippi]] (as of 09/2007).<ref name="Hattiesburg">Hattiesburg Zoo, Hattiesburg, Mississippi ([[:Image:Capybara Hattiesburg Zoo (70909b-49) 1280x800.jpg|''Capybara exhibit marker'']])</ref>
 
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* Two capybara live at Hovatter's Zoo in [[Kingwood, WV|Kingwood]], [[West Virginia]] (as of 09/2007).
 
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* Two capybaras live at the [http://www.yorkzoo.com/ York's Wild Kingdom] in [[York, Maine]] (as of 09/2007).
 
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* At least one capybara lives at the [[Montreal Biodome|Biodome du Montreal (Montreal Biodome)]], in [[Montreal, Quebec]] (as of 09/2007).
 
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* At least one capybara lives at the [[Prague]] Zoological Garden (as of 09/2006).
 
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* At least one capybara lives at the Henry Vilas Zoo in [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]], [[Wisconsin]] (as of 09/2004).
 
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* At least one capybara lives at the Burgers Zoo in the [[Netherlands]] (as of 05/2007).
 
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* At least one capybara lives at the Grande Zoo in [[Albuquerque, New Mexico|Albuquerque]], [[New Mexico]] (as of 05/2007).
 
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* At least one capybara lives at the Bristol Zoo in [[Bristol, England|Bristol]], [[England]] (as of 12/2005).
 
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* At least five capybaras lives at the Zoo Schönbrunn in [[Vienna]] (as of 2005).
 
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* At least one capybara lives at the Kolmården Zoo in [[Sweden]] (as of 2005).
 
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== Human interactions ==
 
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[[Image:Capybara Hattiesburg Zoo (70909b-48) 640x400.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Capy relaxing in his water pool at the Hattiesburg (Mississippi) Zoo.]]
 
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Capybaras are gentle animals and will usually allow humans to [[pet]] and hand-feed them. Capybara skin is tough, and thus in some areas where capybaras are wild, they are hunted for meat and their skin, which is turned into a high-quality leather,<ref name="Bristol">[http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/learning/animals/mammals/capybara Bristol Zoo Gardens (UK) ''Capybara'']</ref> while some [[rancher]]s hunt them for [[fear]] of the competition for grazing. The meat is said to both look and taste like [[pork]].<ref name="Jungle">[http://www.junglephotos.com/amazon/amanimals/ammammals/capybaranathist.shtml Jungle Photos ''Capybara Natural History'']</ref> The Capybara meat is dried and salted, then shredded and seasoned.<ref name=NWF>[http://www.nwf.org/nationalwildlife/article.cfm?issueID=80&articleID=1189 National Wildlife Federation ''The Ranchers' Favorite Rodent'' by Michael Lipske (Feb/Mar 2006, vol. 44 no. 2)]</ref> Considered a [[delicacy]], it is often served with [[rice]] and [[plantains]].<ref name="NYSun">[http://www.nysun.com/article/11063 New York Sun ''In Days Before Easter, Venezuelans Tuck Into Rodent-Related Delicacy'' by Brian Ellsworth (March 24, 2005)]</ref>
 
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During the [[Catholic]] [[celebration]] of [[Lent]], capybara meat is especially popular as the [[church]] [[classify|classified]] the animal as a [[fish]] in the [[16th century]] (and has never reversed this erroneous classification).<ref name="rebsig-questionable-resource">[http://www.rebsig.com/capybara/capyfacts.htm ''Capybara fact sheet'']</ref><ref name="Jungle">[http://www.junglephotos.com/amazon/amanimals/ammammals/capybaranathist.shtml Jungle Photos ''Capybara Natural History'']</ref><ref name=NWF>[http://www.nwf.org/nationalwildlife/article.cfm?issueID=80&articleID=1189 National Wildlife Federation ''The Ranchers' Favorite Rodent'' by Michael Lipske (Feb/Mar 2006, vol. 44 no. 2)]</ref><ref name="answers">[http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/153905 AnswerBag ''Why can't you eat meat on Friday's during Lent?''] Answer 8 of 10 (very well-written and appears researched)</ref><ref name="NYSun">[http://www.nysun.com/article/11063 New York Sun ''In Days Before Easter, Venezuelans Tuck Into Rodent-Related Delicacy'' by Brian Ellsworth (March 24, 2005)]</ref>
 
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{{-}}
 
 
== Gallery ==
 
== Gallery ==
 
<CENTER><gallery>
 
<CENTER><gallery>
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Image:Wahington ZOO capybara.JPG|Capybara at The National Zoo in Washington, D.C. (September 2006)
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Image:Wahington ZOO capybara.JPG|Capybara at The National Zoo in Washington, D.C.  
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Image:Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris.jpg|Capybara at the Prague Zoological Garden (September 2006)
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Image:Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris.jpg|Capybara at the Prague Zoological Garden  
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Image:Male capybara.jpg|Capybara at the Prague Zoological Garden (September 2006)
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Image:Kapybara1.jpg|Capybara near Rurenabaque in Bolivia  
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Image:Kapybara1.jpg|Capybara near Rurenabaque in Bolivia (August 2003)
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Image:Kapybara2.jpg|Capybara near Rurenabaque in Bolivia  
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Image:Henry Vilas Zoo IMG 2404.jpg|Capybara at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin  
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Image:Kapybara2.jpg|Capybara near Rurenabaque in Bolivia (August 2003)
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Image:Capybara01.jpg|Capybara: ''Frontalansicht eines Wasserschweins''  
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Image:Henry Vilas Zoo IMG 2404.jpg|Capybara at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin (September 2004)
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Image:Carpincho (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) Iberá.jpg|Swimming capybara at Iberá Marshes in Corrientes, Argentina  
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Image:Capybara01.jpg|Capybara: ''Frontalansicht eines Wasserschweins'' (February 2004)
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Image:CapybaraRioGrandeZoo.JPG|Capybara from the Rio Grande Zoo in AlbuquerqueNew Mexico  
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Image:Carpincho (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) Iberá.jpg|Swimming capybara at Iberá Marshes in Corrientes, Argentina (August 2002)
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Image:bristol.zoo.capybara.arp.jpg|Capybara at the Bristol Zoo in Bristol, England  
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Image:Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris.jpg|Capybara at Kolmården Zoo in Sweden  
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Image:Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris - Capybara BZ ies.jpg|Capybara at Burgers Zoo, The Netherlands (May 2007)
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Image:Capybara with young.jpg|Capybara with young at the Zoo Schönbrunn in Vienna  
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Image:CapybaraRioGrandeZoo.JPG|Capybara from the Rio Grande Zoo in AlbuquerqueNew Mexico (May 2007)
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Image:Young capybaras.jpg|Young Capybaras at the Zoo Schönbrunn in Vienna  
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Image:bristol.zoo.capybara.arp.jpg|Capybara at the Bristol Zoo in Bristol, England (December 2005)
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Image:Wasserschwein.jpg|Capybara resting  
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Image:Wet-capyvara-in-Brazil.jpg|Soaking-wet capybara in Brazil (September 2006)
 
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Image:Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris.jpg|Capybara at Kolmården Zoo in Sweden (2005)
 
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Image:Capybara with young.jpg|Capybara with young at the Zoo Schönbrunn in Vienna (2005)
 
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Image:Young capybaras.jpg|Young Capybaras at the Zoo Schönbrunn in Vienna (2005)
 
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Image:Wasserschwein.jpg|Capybara resting (March 2005)
 
 
</gallery></CENTER>
 
</gallery></CENTER>
  
 
{{-}}
 
{{-}}
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== See also ==
 
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{{commons}}
 
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* [http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capybara&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhttp://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capybara%26hl%3Den German Language Wikipedia article on Capybara, mechanically translated into English by Google]
 
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* [[Neochoerus pinckneyi]], an extinct relative of Capybara.
 
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== External links ==
 
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* [http://images.google.com/images?q=Capybara Capybara images at Google Images]
 
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* [http://www.expertrating.com/quizzes/Capybara-Quiz.asp Capybara quiz at ExpertRating]
 
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
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. Jungle Photos (JP). 2007. <ref name="Jungle">[http://www.junglephotos.com/amazon/amanimals/ammammals/capybaranathist.shtml Jungle Photos ''Capybara Natural History'']
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* Bradford, Nina. 2016. [https://www.livescience.com/55223-capybara-facts.html Facts About Capybaras] ''Live Science''. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
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* Ellsworth, B. 2005. [https://www.nysun.com/foreign/in-days-before-easter-venezuelans-tuck-into/11063/ In days before easter, Venezuelans tuck into rodent-related delicacy]. ''New York Sun'' March 24, 2005. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
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<ref name="Chester">[http://www.chesterzoo.org/animals.asp?ID=36 Chester Zoo (UK) ''Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
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* Jungle Photos (JP). 2007. [http://www.junglephotos.com/amazon/amanimals/ammammals/capybaranathist.shtml Capybara natural history]. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
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'']</ref>
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* Lipske, M. 2006. [https://www.nwf.org/Magazines/National-Wildlife/2006/The-Ranchers The ranchers' favorite rodent]. ''National Wildlife'' 44(2). Retrieved July 12, 2021. 
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* Magalhães, N. W. de. 1992. ''Conheça o Pantanal'' [Know the Pantanal]. São Paulo: Terragraph.  
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.<ref name="BBC">[http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/594.shtml British Broadcasting Network ''Science and Nature: Animals (Capybara)'']</ref>
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* Swarts, F. A. 2000. "The Pantanal in the 21st Century: For the planet's largest wetland, an uncertain future." In F. A. Swarts (ed.) ''The Pantanal.'' St. Paul, MN: Paragon House. ISBN 1557787913.
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name="Bristol">[http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/learning/animals/mammals/capybara Bristol Zoo Gardens (UK) ''Capybara'']</ref>
 
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* Magalhaes, N. W. de. 1992.  
 
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<ref name="Smithsonian">National Zoological park (NZP). 2007. [http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Amazonia/Facts/capybarafacts.cfm Smithsonian National Zoological Park, ''Capybara facts'']</ref>
 
  
  
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Latest revision as of 00:03, 15 November 2021


Capybara
Capybara Hattiesburg Zoo (70909b-42) 2560x1600.jpg
Conservation status
Status iucn3.1 LC.svg
Least Concern
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Suborder: Hystricomorpha
Family: Caviidae
Subfamily: Hydrochoerinae
Genus: Hydrochoerus
Species: H. hydrochaeris
Binomial name
Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris
(Linnaeus, 1766)
Capybara range
Capybara range

Capybara is the common name for a large, semi-aquatic rodent, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, of Central America and tropical South America, characterized by short legs with partially webbed feet, small ears, a blunt nose, and almost no tail. Known as the carpincho in Spanish and capivara in Portuguese, H. hydrochaeris is the largest living rodent (order Rodentia). It belongs to the Caviidae family, which also includes the guinea pig and cavy. (In some taxonomies, it is placed in its own family of Hydrochaeridae.)

The capybara's unique adaptations and large size help to make it one of the better known animals in the world. Because its size and superficial appearance, people sometimes are surprised to learn that it is a rodent rather than a relative of the pig. Remarkably, it has been classified as a fish in the Catholic religion, a fact that made it historically popular during times when tradition dictated the eating of fish (Lent, Fridays).

Capybaras provide value for the ecosystem as part of food chains, converting vegetative matter into forms consumed by predators such as jaguars, caimans, and anacondas. For humans, they have been used as food and as a source of leather, and they add to the human wonder of nature.

Description

The capybara is the only living species in its genus, Hydrochoerus. Its common name, capybara in English and capivara in Portuguese, derives from Kapiÿva in the Guarani Indian language, meaning "Lord of the grass" (Bradford, 2016), perhaps reflecting the fact that grasses are the favorite food of this rodent. Its scientific name hydrochaeris. is Latin for "water hog" (Bradford 2016), reflecting its semi-aquatic existence and its superficial resemblance to a pig. However, capybaras are rodents (Order Rodentia), classified with rats, mice, and squirrels.

Capybara are found wild in much of South America (including Panama, Columbia, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, French Guiana, Uruguay, Peru, and Paraguay. They can be found in densely forested areas near bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, swamps, ponds, and marshes, such as flooded savanna and along rivers in tropical forest. The population of capybaras in the Brazilian Pantanal, the world's largest wetland system, is estimated to approach one half million (Swarts 2000).

Capybaras have heavy, barrel-shaped bodies, and short heads with reddish-brown fur on the upper part of their body that turns yellowish-brown underneath. Capybaras have slightly webbed feet and only a rudimentary tail; their back legs are slightly longer than their front legs and their muzzles are blunt with eyes, nostrils, and ears on the dorsal (top) of their head. Capybaras have a total of 20 teeth. Like other rodents, the front teeth of capybaras grow continually to compensate for the constant wearing-down of eating grasses.

Did you know?
Capybaras are the largest extant rodents in the world

Adult capybaras are the largest extant rodents. They may grow more than four feet (130 centimeters) long and 50 centimeters tall (1.6 feet), and commonly weigh more than 50 kilograms (110 pounds) (Magalhaes 1992). Females are slightly heavier than males.

Though now extinct, there once existed even larger capybaras that were eight times the size of modern capybaras; these rodents would have been larger than a modern day grizzly bear).

Life cycle and behavior

Capybara lounging in a shallow pool at the Hattiesburg Zoo in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

The capybara is a herbivore (more specifically, a graminivore, grazing mainly on grasses and aquatic plants, as well as fruits and tree bark. Capybaras eat their own feces in the morning in order to help digest the cellulose in the grass that forms their normal diet. During midday, as temperatures increase, capybaras wallow in water to keep cool and then graze in late afternoons and early evenings. They sleep little, usually dozing off and on throughout the day and grazing into and through the night.

Capybaras are excellent swimmers and can survive completely underwater for up to five minutes (Bradford 2016), an ability they will use to evade predators. If necessary, a capybara can sleep almost submerged, keeping its nose just at the waterline.

Capybaras have a lifespan of four to eight years in the wild, but average a life less than four years as they are a favorite prey of jaguars, anacondas, pumas, ocelots, caimans, and eagles.

Capybaras are social animals, usually found in groups, between 10 and 30 (though looser groups of up to 100 sometimes can be formed). Magalhaes (1992) reports that in the Pantanal, the social groups average between 8 and 16 individuals. They are controlled by a dominant male, who will have a prominent scent gland on his nose (known as a morillo), used for smearing his scent on the grasses in his territory (Bradford 2016). Members in a group communicate through a combination of scent and sound, being very vocal animals with purrs and alarm barks,, as well as whistles, clicks, squeals, and grunts.

Capybaras reach sexual maturity within 18 months and breed when conditions are right, which can be once per year (such as in Brazil) or throughout the year (such as in Venezuela and Colombia). The male pursues a female and mounts when the female stops in water.

Capybara gestation is 130-150 days and usually produces a litter of four capybara babies (Magalhaes 1992). Birth is on land and the female will rejoin the group within a few hours of delivering the newborn capybaras, who will join the group as soon as they are mobile. Within a week the young can eat grass, but will continue to suckle from any female in the group until weaned at about 16 weeks. Youngsters will form a group within the main group.

Conservation and human interactions

Capybara are not on the IUCN list and thus not considered a threatened species; their population is stable through most of their South American ranges, though in some areas hunting has reduced their numbers.

Capybaras can be found in many areas in zoos and parks, sometimes allowed to roam freely and may live for 12 years in captivity. Capybaras are gentle animals and will usually allow humans to pet and hand-feed them.

Capy relaxing in his water pool at the Hattiesburg (Mississippi) Zoo.

Capybaras are hunted for their meat and skins in some areas, and otherwise killed by humans who see their grazing as competition for livestock. The skins are turned into a high-quality leather. Capybara meat may be dried and salted, then shredded and seasoned (Lipske 2006). Considered a delicacy, it is often served with rice and plantains (Ellsworth 2005). In some areas, capybaras are farmed, which has the effect of insuring that the wetland habitats are protected. Their survival is aided by their ability to breed rapidly.

During the Catholic observation of Lent, during which consumption of meats and oils are traditionally avoided, capybara meat is especially popular as the church classified the animal as a fish in the sixteenth century, and has never reversed this erroneous classification (Ellsworth 2005; JP 2007).

Gallery

  • Capybara at The National Zoo in Washington, D.C.

  • Capybara at the Prague Zoological Garden

  • Capybara near Rurenabaque in Bolivia

  • Capybara near Rurenabaque in Bolivia

  • Capybara at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin

  • Capybara: Frontalansicht eines Wasserschweins

  • Swimming capybara at Iberá Marshes in Corrientes, Argentina

  • Capybara from the Rio Grande Zoo in AlbuquerqueNew Mexico

  • Capybara at the Bristol Zoo in Bristol, England

  • Capybara at Kolmården Zoo in Sweden

  • Capybara with young at the Zoo Schönbrunn in Vienna

  • Young Capybaras at the Zoo Schönbrunn in Vienna

  • Capybara resting


References
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