What kind of animal is a capybara? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. Capybaras are so large and fat that they look like pigs, but they are actually different. It’s actually a member of the rat family. They are widely active on the continent of South America, so they are one of the animals that are familiar to South Americans.
What is a capybara? About basic status
Capybara is a rodent that belongs to the Capybara family. The largest rat in the world. The body length is 106 – 134 cm and the weight is 35 – 64 kg. The scientific name is Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris. The list of information is as follows. Capybara is very popular in South America and events are held there. If you enter the zoo in a group, the animals will show you their swimming skills inside the zoo. She is often exposed at hot springs, capybara cafes, X (twitter), YouTube, etc.
| Japanese（和名） | カピバラ |
| English（英名） | Capybara |
| scientific name(学名) | Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、 Rodentia、 Hydrochoerinae、Hydrochoerus 哺乳綱、齧歯目、テンジクネズミ科、カピバラ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 106 – 134cm |
| Weight（体重） | 35 – 64kg |
About classification
There is a subspecies of capybara called the lesser capybara.
Hydrochoerus isthmius
Capybaras are found in eastern Panama, northwestern Colombia, and western Venezuela. Its name is lesser capybara or Hime capybara. The Japanese capybara looks a lot like a capybara, but the adult Japanese capybara usually weighs about 28 kg, so it is a little smaller.
About habitat
Capybaras can be found in South America.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
Capybara is the largest living rodent. It has four fingers on its front legs and three toes on its hind legs, and has small webs between its toes, which allow it to swim. Their body hair is hard and long, and has the ability to shed water just by shaking their body. Capybaras usually live in grasslands and riverside areas.
What is your personality like?
Capybaras are very gentle and gentle animals. Basically, capybaras live in groups rather than alone, so they are very social creatures. They often fall asleep and are very laid-back animals. They also do not like getting wet in the rain and tend to huddle together to regulate their body temperature.
What is the ecology like?
Capybaras are herbivores, so their preferred food (meals) are pellets, cabbage, apples, and other fruits, vegetables, and grass. They are particularly big eaters, so be careful as food costs can be high. Even though they are the same giant guinea pig, they can grow large and eat a lot from morning to midday and into the night. There are now many exhibits of this species in Japan, so if you like them, be sure to check them out first.
Are there any natural enemies?
Capybaras are attacked by jaguars, pumas, etc. However, capybaras have a way of escaping into the water, and since they can swim, they often look for rivers when they escape.
Are capybaras an endangered species?
Capybaras as a whole are not an endangered species. However, the lesser capybara, which is a subspecies, is in a pinch. The possibility of extinction has been pointed out due to the destruction of mining forests, the drainage of swamps, and the extremely small habitat.
Can capybaras be kept as pets?
Can you keep a capybara as a pet? There is a big hurdle: money. To buy a capybara, you will need to spend 700,000 to 1 million yen. Since capybaras are rare animals to keep as pets, the price is high, so it is not easy. Another key is whether you can find a veterinarian who will treat capybaras. They can display unexpected behaviors, so humans need to take good care of them.
What should I feed?
Capybaras are herbivores, so they like pellets, fruits, vegetables, and grass. They are especially big eaters, so be careful as food costs can be high. Even though they are the same giant guinea pig, they can grow large and eat a lot from morning to midday and into the night. There are many exhibits of this species in Japan now, so if you like them, be sure to check them out first.
Breeding space
Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world. They require a fairly large space to be kept. A bathing area is essential. If they are not exposed to water for a long time, their skin will dry out. They also need a toilet, a place to sleep, and a heater. Their fur continues to grow to keep them warm in the winter, so this care is also necessary.
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