Capybara
Scientific name
Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris
Size and weight
106 to 134 cm long and 50 to 62 cm tall. 35 to 66 kg
Diet
Mainly grasses and aquatic plants
Conservation status
Least concern
Native habitat
Throughout South America except Chile, in savannas and dense forests near water
Lifespan
8 to 10 years
Meet our capybaras
Our capybaras, Clara and Spud, like to spend their time sunbathing, chilling in the pool, or munching on their favourite treat, willow. Capybaras are sociable animals, even with other species – here at Tilgate Zoo they share their enclosure with Alf the Brazilian tapir.
About capybaras
Capybaras are the biggest rodents in the world. They are part of the cavy family and are closely related to guinea pigs. They spend a lot of time in water and are excellent swimmers with slightly webbed feet. They usually hang out in groups of 10 to 20, but during the dry season, these groups can grow to 50 or even 100 as they gather around water sources.
They mainly eat grasses and aquatic plants but will also munch on fruit and tree bark. They can be picky eaters but will switch to more abundant plants like reeds during the dry season when food is scarce.
Did you know?
- their scientific name means water pig in Greek
- capybaras love to wallow together in water, but none of them want to leave to go to the toilet so it can get a bit stinky
- they can hold their breath underwater for five minutes
- their eyes, ears and nostrils are on top of their heads so they can submerge in the water with just the top of their head peeping out
