The capybara is a semi-aquatic giant rodent and one of the most abundant large mammals of South American wetlands. It is a favourite prey of jaguars, caimans and anacondas, and a common sight in the Pantanal and the Llanos.
Interesting facts
- The capybara is the largest rodent in the world.
- Its eyes, ears and nostrils sit high on its head, like a hippo’s, so it can see, hear and breathe while almost submerged.
- Capybaras have partly webbed feet.
- They eat their own droppings in the morning to digest tough plant material a second time.
- Birds such as cattle tyrants and caracaras often perch on capybaras to pick off insects.
- Their closest relatives are guinea pigs.
Behaviour
Capybaras live in groups of 10 to 20, led by a dominant male; in the dry season groups can merge into gatherings of 100 or more. They graze at dawn and dusk and rest in water during the heat of the day.
Breeding and young
Females give birth to 2 to 8 young after about 150 days. Young can graze within a week, and group females may nurse each other’s young.
Threats and conservation
Widespread and common, although hunted for meat and leather in some areas.
Where to see it
- Pantanal, Brazil
- Llanos, Venezuela and Colombia
- Iberá Wetlands, Argentina
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
Where to see the capybara
Pantanal Jaguar Safari: The Best Place on Earth to See Wild JaguarsBrazil's Pantanal offers the best chance on Earth to watch wild jaguars. How boat-based safaris work, when to…
Tambopata and Manu: Macaw Clay Licks and Giant OttersSouth-eastern Peru has some of the Amazon's richest wildlife, from macaws at clay licks to giant otters in…
Iberá Wetlands: Rewilding Jaguars in ArgentinaArgentina's Iberá wetlands are the setting of one of the world's most ambitious rewilding projects. What to see…
