In the wetlands of South America there is an animal that seems taken from a story: Capibara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), the largest rodent in the world.
With its quiet appearance, its tender look and its sociable nature – known as the most sympathetic animal in the world -, This semiacuatic mammal has earned the love of many, but also faces challenges due to the loss of their habitat.
The capibaras They are distributed from Panama to northern Argentina, inhabiting savanas, jungles and, especially, areas near rivers, lagoons and swamps. His life is closely linked to water, where they find shelter and food.
According to him World Wildlife Fund (WWF)the conservation of these ecosystems is key to their survival, since agricultural expansion and deforestation threaten their environment.
Are the capibaras rodents?
Imagine a guinea pig … but the size of a wolf. An adult capibara can measure more than a meter long and weigh up to 55 kg (some even exceed 60 kg). Their legs are partially clap, like those of a duck, which makes them excellent swimmers.
In addition, their eyes, ears and nostrils are at the top of the head, which allows them to immerse themselves almost completely to hide from predators such as Jaguares, Pumas and Caimanes.
His teeth, as in other rodents, never stop growing. Therefore, They must constantly chew to wear them out and keep them of an adequate size.
They are very friendly animals
These mammals are highly social. According to National Geographic, They live in groups of up to 20 individuals, led by a dominant male that protects several females and their young. These groups establish territories of 10 to 200 hectares, with specific areas for grazing, resting and bathing.
If an intruder invades his space, the capibaras emit a sound similar to a bark and, if the threat persists, they quickly flee to the water.
In addition, a male can reproduce with more than one female within their community.
Herbivores with curious and adaptive habits
Your diet is mainly based on:
- Pastures and aquatic plants (grasses, riverside herbs)
- Tree bark (to wear your teeth)
- Your own feces
This last habit, called coprophagia, allows them to reabsorb nutrients that did not digest the first time.
In addition, capibaras have surprising digestive flexibility:
- In dry season, its thin intestine lengthens to extract more nutrients from less rich plants.
- In rainy season, its intestine contracts, as vegetation is more abundant and nutritious.
Are Capibaras in danger of extinction?
Although the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies them as “minor concern”, these tender and sociable animals face risks such as illegal hunting for their flesh and skinused mainly in leather goods.
In addition, according to WWF, humans are carving the forests and turning wetlands to give way to the cultivation and ranches of cattle, which destroys the natural habitat of the capibaras. Excessive hunting is also a threat.
In countries like Argentina, some capibaras have migrated to urban areas, taking refuge in contaminated parks and rivers. As explained by biologist Marcos Vinícius Rodrigues to National Geographicthis is not ideal, but a mechanism of survival in the face of the destruction of its natural habitat.
How much do the capibaras live?
National Geographic He explains that these animals usually live in freedom approximately 10 years, while, if they are in captivity, they manage to live up to 15 years.
Are there capibaras in Guatemala?
Fortunately of the Guatemalans, and for all those who wish to meet them, Gabriela Galindo of the La Aurora National Zoological Park states that the institution has two capibaras located in the area of Terra America, in front of the Civic Square.
You can visit them on Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.