Specie's Page                                               South America - Capybara

Capybara:  

UK Status: Non resident, except for an introduced colony in southern England, and can be seen in zoo's and wildlife parks.

Habitat: This rodent is found in South America, and is mainly a cave dweller. They live in large groups, there can be as many as about a hundred animals in a group.

Breeding: When breeding they are generally found in smaller groups of about twenty animals. Capybaras only mate in water, gestation lasts for nineteen to twenty two weeks. On average a litter is about four young, but can be as little as one, or as many as eight.

Comment: This is a giant rodent, the largest in the world, it's closest relative is the Guinea Pigs and Rock Cavies. Capybaras only tend to live about four years in the wild, they are preyed upon by various big cats. They are also hunted by man for their meat, hides and thick greasy fat. These rodents can live for about eight years in captivity.