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"Capybara" means "master of the grasses" in the language of the Guarani Indians.

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Taxonomy
Class Mammalia, Order Rodentia, Family Hydrochoeridae, Genus species Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris.
Physical Characteristics
Largest rodent alive with body length of 42 to 53 inches and height at shoulder 20 to 24 inches; weight of male is 77 to 140 pounds, of female 80 to 145 pounds. Small eyes set towards the top of the head as are nostrils. Front and rear legs are different lengths with the front shorter; toes are slightly webbed with 4 toes on front feet and 3 toes on rear feet. Skin is tough and thinly haired with the color of the hairs usually from brown to red.

Habitats
South America east of the Andes Mountains ranging from Panama to northeastern Argentina. Mostly terrestrial in heavily vegetated swamps near water such as ponds, lakes, rivers and swamps.

Life Span
In wild: Natural span of 8 to 10 years although hunting reduces this to about 4 years. In zoo: Approximately 12 years.

Social Habits
Mostly crepuscular but will be nocturnal to avoid hunting. Usual group is a dominant male with at least 1 to several females plus young and subordinate males. Communicate with whistles and barks plus scent from glandular secretions.

Reproduction
Animals mate in the water just before the onset of the rainy season. Gestation approximately 150 days with a litter of 2 to 8 born each year. The average litter is 4. Females give birth on land and young are weaned in about 16 weeks. All females help care for and nurse the young. Sexual maturity is achieved at 18 months.

Diet
In wild: primarily grasses that grow in or near the water plus water plants, melons and squash.
In zoo: thumb size rodent pellets including vitamins and minerals plus fresh fruit and vegetables.

Conservation
Not endangered although protected in some areas because of over- hunting by man. Natural predators are jaguars and caimans.