Capybaras have become famous worldwide thanks to their calm personalities, gentle behaviour, and famously relaxed attitude. Their peaceful appearance has made them beloved stars across social media platforms.

However, these popular animals are much more than just internet celebrities. Behind their charming image is a fascinating species with unique adaptations, social habits, and an interesting way of life.

How many capybara species exist?

Capybaras are mammals that belong to the order Rodentia, the same group that contains more than 2,000 species of rodents. Within the genus Hydrochoerus, scientists recognise two living species: the greater capybara and the lesser capybara.

The greater capybara is the species most people know. It holds the title of the largest rodent on Earth, with adults reaching around 1.3 metres in length and weighing more than 60 kilograms. Females are usually slightly larger than males.

Greater capybaras are widely distributed throughout South America. They are usually found near water sources, including wetlands, marshes, riversides, and open grassland areas.

The lesser capybara is a smaller species, reaching about one metre in length and weighing up to 28 kilograms. It is mainly found in northern parts of South America and southern Panama, where it prefers forest environments and shaded wetlands.

The two species also differ in appearance. Greater capybaras have a heavier body shape and rough, straw-coloured fur, while lesser capybaras are slimmer with softer and darker coats.

The name Hydrochoerus comes from Greek words meaning “water pig”. The species name hydrochaeris also has Greek roots, combining words associated with water and happiness.

What do capybaras eat?

Capybaras are primarily plant-eaters, feeding mostly on grasses and other tough, fibrous vegetation. Because this type of food is difficult to digest, they have developed a special method to absorb as many nutrients as possible.

Capybaras practise coprophagy, which means they consume their own droppings to recover nutrients that were not fully absorbed during the first digestion process. Other animals, including rabbits and some livestock species, use a similar strategy.

Their teeth are specially adapted for their plant-based diet. Like all rodents, their front incisors continue growing throughout their lives. To keep these teeth at the correct length, capybaras constantly chew hard materials such as bark, grass, and aquatic plants.

What kind of social life do capybaras have?

Capybaras are highly social animals and usually live in groups. Wild groups commonly contain around 10 to 20 individuals, including both males and females. During dry seasons, when water becomes limited, larger groups of up to about 30 animals may gather together.

Being part of a group is essential for their survival, which is why seeing a lone capybara in the wild is uncommon.

Female capybaras usually give birth to between two and eight young. Baby capybaras are precocial, meaning they are relatively developed at birth and can stand, walk, and begin eating plants shortly after arriving in the world.

Young capybaras drink milk from their mother for around three months, but they may also nurse from other females within the group. They generally remain with their family group until they are about one year old.

During their first year, young capybaras face many dangers from predators such as caimans, harpy eagles, anacondas, and ocelots. Adult members of the group help protect them by staying alert. When danger appears, an adult capybara can make a warning bark, causing the group to quickly move into the safety of nearby water.

Adult capybaras have fewer natural enemies, although jaguars are their main predator. In some areas, humans also hunt them for their meat and hides.

Why are capybaras such excellent swimmers?

Capybaras are semi-aquatic animals and are incredibly skilled in the water. Their partially webbed feet help them swim efficiently, and they can remain underwater for up to five minutes when escaping danger.

Even newborn capybaras are capable swimmers and can follow their parents into the water soon after birth.

Their bodies are perfectly suited for aquatic environments. Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are positioned near the top of their heads, allowing them to keep most of their body underwater while still being able to observe their surroundings, hear sounds, and breathe.

Water provides capybaras with both protection and comfort. When threatened, they often retreat into rivers, ponds, or wetlands where they can avoid predators.

The next time a relaxed-looking capybara appears on your social media feed, remember that these gentle giants are not only adorable but also highly adapted animals with remarkable survival skills.