The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is a giant cavy rodent native
to South America. It is the largest living rodent in the world. Its
close relatives include guinea pigs and rock cavies.
The capybara inhabits savannas and dense forests and lives
near bodies of water. It is a highly social species and can be
found in groups as large as 100 individuals, but usually lives in groups
of 10β20 individuals. The capybara is not a threatened species, but it
is hunted for its meat and hide and also for grease from its thick fatty
skin.