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Capybara
Capybara
Kind and charming giant among rodents.
Type: Chordates
Class: Mammals
Order: Rodents
Family: Water-lead pipes
Genus: Water pigs
Species: Capybara
General Settings
  • Its habitat is tropical and subtropical areas of South America east of the Andes.
  • The growth of capybaras is from 50 to 60 cm with a body length of 1 to 1.35 m.
  • Weight – 34-66 kg.
  • The basis of the diet consists of fruits, tubers, hay, grass, water and near-water plants.
  • The life span can exceed 10 years.

Externally, the capybara resembles a giant large-headed guinea pig. The head is large, massive with a broad muzzle, short rounded ears, wide-set nostrils and small eyes.


Social behavior


Capybaras live in groups of 10-20 individuals. The group consists of a dominant male, several adult females, cubs, and subordinate males that are located on the periphery of the group. 5-10 % of capybaras, mostly males, live alone.


Reproduction


Pregnancy lasts about 150 days. Usually the female brings 4-6 cubs. Babies are born covered with hair, with open eyes and teething teeth. The weight of newborns is up to 1.5 kg.


Species and people


Capybaras are affectionate, easily tamed and trained. Therefore, some people have them as pets.


Interesting Facts


Capybaras are "friends" with birds. Birds clean the fur of animals by pulling out and eating insects. In turn, the birds call out to warn the capybaras of the approaching danger.

Paleontological findings show that in ancient times America was inhabited by relatives of capybaras the size of a bear and even a rhinoceros.


Current status in wildlife
  • Not
    evaluated
    NE
  • Data
    deficient
    DD
  • Data
    deficient
    lc
  • near
    threatened
    NT
  • vulnerable
    vu
  • endangered
    en
  • critically
    endangered
    cr
  • extinct
    in the wild
    ew
  • Extinct
    ex
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