Welcome! Can capybaras be kept as pets? What dangers do they pose? Discover the answers to these and other questions in this post.
Did you know that the capybara is the largest rodent in the world? A fun fact about its scientific name, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, is that it means “water pig.” In GuaranÃ, the word capybara means “master of the grass.”
This animal is native to South America. They are very friendly and social creatures that have gained a lot of attention on social media.
It’s important to point out that they are wild animals. And as sociable and adorable as they may seem, they can transmit deadly diseases to humans, such as Brazilian spotted fever and foot-and-mouth disease, both spread through ticks.
Is it legal to have a capybara as a pet?
In many countries, yes, you can keep a capybara as a domestic animal. However, because it’s considered an exotic species, you usually need a special license for exotic pet ownership and must meet all the care requirements.
Capybaras need a large space with access to water for swimming. They also need a companion of the same species so they don’t get lonely.
An interesting fact about capybaras is that they are highly organized. They divide their territory into zones: one for bathing, another for grazing, and another for resting.
Their fur is rough, dense, and waterproof, which helps regulate their body temperature. They are robust animals with short, strong legs.
Capybaras are herbivores, and their diet consists mainly of grasses and aquatic plants. They also eat fruits, flowers, and seeds. A surprising fact: during times of drought, their small intestine grows to improve nutrient absorption.
Did you know that because their eyes, nose, and ears are located on the top of their head, capybaras can stay mostly submerged while still being aware of their surroundings?
Male capybaras have a 2 cm bump on their snout, which sets them apart from females. This sebaceous gland is used for marking territory. Capybaras usually live in groups of 6 to 30 individuals.
A peculiar behavior is that they often walk in single file. Another curious fact: capybaras are the only rodents with sweat glands.
Now here’s something that might surprise you: capybaras eat their own feces! This allows them to absorb more nutrients by digesting the food a second time.
Did you know that their incisors never stop growing? Just like birds need to wear down their beaks, capybaras must wear down their teeth. Their sharp teeth also help them defend themselves if they feel threatened. Chewing on tree bark helps keep their teeth at the right length. Can you imagine having teeth that never stop growing?
Jaguars and ocelots are the capybara’s main predators.
And yes, capybaras do have tails! They’re just very short and barely noticeable.
Another interesting fact is that, just like ducks, capybaras have webbed toes that help them swim.
So, what does a capybara need in order to call a place home?
Lakes, rivers, or streams, grassy areas to graze, and dry spots to rest. As a land animal with semi-aquatic habits, it needs all of these conditions to thrive. Capybaras spend much of their time in the water, they even mate there!
They’re usually more active in the morning and evening. Unfortunately, they’re also victims of illegal hunting for their fur and meat.
Females typically give birth once a year and can have up to four babies at a time. Newborn capybaras already have fur and weigh around 2 kg. Adult capybaras can weigh up to 49 kg. Their average lifespan is about 10 years in the wild and up to 15 years in captivity.
📚 Data source:
https://www.ecologiaverde.com/capibara-que-es-donde-vive-y-que-come-4037.html
https://www.nationalgeographic.com.es/mundo-animal/capibaras-roedores-mas-grandes-mundo_19522
https://infoanimales.net/capibaras/donde-adoptar-un-capibara/
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