Zoolung Animals

Yeongdeungpo Hanam Dongtan Gyeongju

Capybara

Capybaras are the largest rodents, which is why they’re often called “the world’s biggest rats.” They have a very laid-back and gentle temperament, so they get along well with other animals. They love being in the water, which is why they’re also nicknamed “water pigs.” They have webbed feet, so they’re excellent swimmers. Have you ever seen a capybara defecating in the water? Since doing their business in the water helps eliminate odors, they developed the habit of using the water as a bathroom while fleeing from predators.

Category

Rodents Cricetidae
Habitat

The warm banks of the Amazon River
Diet

Herbivorous, feeding on grasses, aquatic plants, fruits, etc.

We're good friends

Hanam

Guardian of Life Daisy

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Species

Rodents

The capybara is the world's largest rodent

Place of discovery

South America

They are native to the South American savanna and prefer areas near water for swimming and grazing.

Habitat

Wetlands, grasslands, and tropical rainforests

It can remain submerged in water for up to 5 minutes.

Diet

herbivore

Their diet consists mainly of water and aquatic plants, though they also enjoy eating grains and fruits.

Action

Sociable yet shy

It may sound contradictory, but while capybaras live in large herds to protect themselves from predators, they are generally shy animals and will hide in the water when threatened.

Average size

1m~1.35m

Adults typically measure about 1–1.35 meters in length and weigh 35–66 kilograms; females are slightly heavier than males, and some individuals can weigh over 90 kilograms.

Lifespan

Ages 10–12

In the wild, their lifespans vary, but generally, females live slightly longer than males.

Features

An excellent swimmer

With its remarkable sociability, it gets along well with other species, and thanks to its waterproof fur and webbed feet, it is an excellent swimmer, which is why it is also called a “water pig.”