Capybara Population by Country 2024

Known as the largest rodent in the world, capybaras are known for being friendly, social, and having an excellent swimming ability. They're typically found hanging out in and around water, and they can weigh more than 100 pounds.

Capybaras are known for their love of warm weather and their affinity for water. Able to swim both under and above water, these massive rodents have webbed feet that allow them to make their way across rivers and wetlands quickly. Their fur is long but brittle, making it simple for them to dry off quickly while they're resting on dry land.

While capybaras are large, they have to stay on high alert for predators, including pumas, jaguars, and caimans. Their eyes, ears, and noses are situated high on their heads, making it easier for them to keep much of their bodies underwater while also looking out for predators. Capybaras pay close attention to their environment, and are aware of the times that their natural predators tend to be most active. Capybaras create their daily routines based on the safest times to be out and about, generally keeping an opposite schedule from their predators.

Other animals don't have to worry about capybaras, however, as they're strictly vegetarian. The animals are happy to eat any plants in their area, both underwater and on land. An odd fact about capybaras: they have protein-rich waste due to their body's uniquely high number of microbes that digest their vegetarian diet. Each morning, capybaras eat their own feces, allowing them to digest their food for additional nutrients the second time around.

While capybaras are ok with being on their own, they typically spend time in large groups of up to 40 animals. While their population is considered stable in most of their native areas, their fur has become a popular commodity in recent years, resulting in some capybaras being killed for fur trade.