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Project Noah Nature School
Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris
This is the largest (Extant) rodent in the world, commonly fed upon by the heaviest bodied snake (arguable) in the world - the Anaconda. Even though they are a filthy animal by nature, these large rodents were and are still part of the america pet trade. They spend the majority of their time either in the water or around it, and will only defecate in a body of water.
Spotted on Nov 26, 2011
Submitted on Dec 31, 2012
6 Comments
Lovely spot of the family portrait!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capybara - Capivara may be a local spelling.
Capivara
Great capture!
I followed this heard around for a while. They were fun to watch and video. Very loud, and VERY smelly! Not sure what the appeal to having them in captivity other than people being able to say "Oh yeah, well I have the largest rodent!"
This is such a neat spot ! Thanks for the information. They remind me of large guinea pigs. I was lucky to spot one of these right next to the canal, but I didn't know what it was until I got home.