Amazing animals Capybaras are large rodents with a complaisant disposition.
The variety of rodents living on earth is striking in size. The smallest member of this family is the mouse, and the largest is the capybara or water pig. She swims and dives well, on land the same as a cow nibbles grass.
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What does a capybara look like: photo
Capybara: description of a large rodent
Name: Capybara or Capybara
Latin: hydrochoerus hydrochaerisClass: Mammals - Mammalia
Squad: Rodents - Rodentia
Family: Guinea pigs - Caviidae
 | Habitats: | near water bodies of subtropics and temperate regions |
 | Features: | herbivorous semi-aquatic mammal |
 | Description: | largest non-harmful rodent |
Friendly capybaras.
This animal looks like a large guinea pig. It has a large head with a blunt snout, round, small ears, eyes set high on the head. There are 4 fingers on the front limbs, and three on the hind limbs, which are connected by membranes, thanks to which it can swim.
The coat is hard, reddish-brown or gray on the back, yellowish on the belly. The body length of an adult is from 100 cm to 130 cm. Females are larger than males, the height at the withers can be 50-60 cm. The weight of the female is up to 40-70 kg, the male is up to 30-65 kg.
In 1991, another animal was added to the capybara genus - the small capybara or pygmy capybara. These animals are very cute, smart and sociable.
Japan has a whole spa for capybaras. In one of the zoos, the keepers noticed that the rodents enjoyed splashing in hot water. They were given a new place of residence - enclosures with hot springs. They even bring food to the water so that the animals are not distracted.
Habitat
The capybara is common in South and North America. It can be found in the basins of such rivers: Orinoco, Amazon, La Plata. Also, capybaras are found in the mountains at an altitude of up to 1300 meters above sea level.
On the territory of the Russian Federation, large rat guinea pigs are found only in private properties and zoos.
Yes, in many zoos in major cities.
They make low barking sounds. But if we are talking about breeding, then it is worth understanding that in the apartment they will bring inconvenience to neighbors.
Only needs are water and plenty of space. A plant-based diet will not be a problem.
In theory, yes. In practice, they are very nice, kind and friendly. They are happy to stroke and lay their heads on the laps of their owners.
Life
Animals live near water bodies, in the rainy season they go a little further from the water, in the dry season they move closer to watering places and green thickets. Capybaras feed on grass, hay, tubers and fruits of plants. They swim and dive well, which allows them to feed in water bodies.
In nature, the capybara has natural enemies:
- anacondas;
- crocodiles;
- caimans;
- wild dogs;
- jaguars;
- snakes.
Reproduction
Capybara with family.
Capybaras live in families of 10-20 individuals, one male has several females with cubs. During the dry period, several families can gather around the reservoirs, and the herd consists of hundreds of animals.
Puberty in capybaras occurs at the age of 15-18 months, when its weight reaches 30-40 kg. Mating occurs in April-May, after about 150 days babies appear. In one litter there are 2-8 cubs, the weight of one is about 1,5 kg. They are born with open eyes and erupted teeth, covered with hair.
All females from the group take care of babies, some time after birth, they can pluck grass and follow their mother, but they continue to feed on milk for 3-4 months. Females are able to breed all year round and bring 2-3 broods, but mostly they bring offspring once a year.
Capybaras live in nature for 6-10 years, in captivity up to 12 years, due to the excellent conditions for their maintenance.
Benefit and harm to humans
In South America, these animals are kept as pets. They are friendly, very clean and live peacefully with other animals. Capybaras love affection and quickly get used to a person.
Capybaras are also bred on special farms. Their meat is eaten, and it tastes like pork, fat is used in the pharmaceutical industry.
Capybaras living in the wild can be a source of infection for spotted fever, which is transmitted through the ixodid tick, which parasitizes animals.
Conclusion
The largest rodent is the capybara, a herbivore that can swim, dive and move quickly on land. In the wild, it has many enemies. Its meat is eaten and some individuals are kept as pets, because with their impressive size they are very cute.
