Capybara

Description:

What is it? Is it a beaver? a pig? Nope, its a capybara - the world's largest rodent! Standing about two feet tall and weighing up to 150 pounds, capybaras look like barrels with legs.

Habitat:

The capybara’s scientific name, Hydrochoerus, means “water hog” and true to their name Capybaras favor riverbanks, lakes, ponds, and marshes throughout Central and South America. Typically they live in groups of 10 to 30 animals and spend their days feasting on .water plants and grasses. They use their water habitats to escape from danger. If you look closely you'll notice that a capybara's eyes, ears, and nostrils are all found near the top of the animal’s head. A capybara can lift just those parts out of the water to see what's going on, while the rest of its body remains hidden underwater. Capybaras also have webbed feet making it an excellent swimmer!

Notes:

These photos are of Charlie the capybara. For many years, Charlie liked to hang out around Napo lodge and was such a friendly fellow that he would often wander over to the hammock house looking for a scrach behind the ears or a belly rub. Capybaras are incredibly vocal animals and communicate using barks, chirps, whistles, huffs, and purrs and Charlie was quite vocal when he wanted your attention! In 2012 he left, never to return. We hope that Charlie wandered into the swampy habitats along the Napo river in search of a mate!