Capybara
The Giant Gentle Rodent
You thought the beaver was a rodent of unusual size? The
capybara is twice that big —
the biggest rodent on Earth. These impressive semi-aquatic
mammals are found throughout much of northern and central South America,
though a small invasive population has been seen in Florida. They’re
closely related to guinea pigs and rock cavies, and more distantly
related to chinchillas and agouti.
Like beavers, capybaras are strong swimmers. Their pig-shaped bodies are
adapted for life in bodies of water found in
forests, seasonally flooded
savannas, and
wetlands. Their toes are partially webbed
for paddling around, and their reddish to dark brown fur is long and
brittle—perfect for drying out quickly on land. Small eyes, noses, and
hairless ears are located high on their heads so that their faces remain
exposed and alert when most of their body is submerged.