Capybara Appreciation Day

1. Capybaras are a type of mammal called a rodent. In fact they are the biggest type of rodent in the world. The next biggest is the North American beaver, and a capybara is twice the size of one of those!

2. Capybaras look a bit like giant guinea pigs and are closely related to the much smaller creatures.

3. There are two species of capybara, the Greater Capybara and the Lesser Capybara. The Greater Capybara is the most common and just known as a capybara. The Lesser Capybara is a smaller species that is less commonly found.

4. Capybaras can grow to about 1.2 metres long. They have a barrel shaped body and very short legs, with their back legs being a little bit longer. Their fur is a brown colour and quite stiff and wiry, they are not soft and cuddly!

5. In the wild capybaras are found in South America. They live in forests and grasslands near rivers, lakes, swamps and marshes.

6. The name capybara means “water pig” in Greek!  They are semi aquatic, which means they spend a lot of time in water as well as on land. Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are at the top of their heads and they have partly webbed feet because of this. They can stay underwater for up to five minutes, before having to come up to the surface to breathe.

7. Capybaras live in groups. Usually they are called a herd, but are also sometimes called a chill of capybaras or a meditation of capybaras! This is because capybaras are known to be calm, relaxed and kind creatures, in fact some people say they are the friendliest animals on Earth! They are not only friendly to other capybaras but any creatures, even humans.

8. Capybaras are herbivores. They eat grass and plants found on land and under water. Strangely they also eat their own poo! They apparently do this for extra nutrients. 

9. Capybaras do have predators they have to watch out for, including jaguars, caimans and harpy eagles. To escape predators capybaras will go back to the water and try and hide.

10. Capybaras communicate with each other using quite a few different sound effects, including grunting, whistling and barking.