Capybara

Capybara in a zoo

The Capybara (Scientific name: Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest rodent in the world. Its closest relatives are guinea pigs and rock cavies. Native to South America, the capybara inhabits savannas and dense forests and lives near bodies of water.

It is a highly social species and can be found in groups as large as 100 individuals, but usually lives in groups of 10–20 individuals. The capybara is not a threatened species. It is hunted for its meat, hide and also for a grease from its thick fatty skin which is used in the pharmaceutical trade.

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