Capybaras in the Wild

By Jaelyn

Table of Contents

HABITAT FOOD AND WATER

DAILY BEHAVIOR

FAMILY STRUCTURES

BIBLIOGRAPHYINTERESTING FACTS

HabitatCentral and South AmericaRiver banks-fresh water riversTropical grass lands and rainforests-wet and muddyVenezuela to North ArgentinaSwampy, grassy regions

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Food and WaterAquatic plants, grasses, fruit, grains, melon, squashHerbivoreEats own scat for nutrientsAdults eat six to eight pounds of grasses of each dayChooses food carefully Grass that has not been touched

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Daily BehaviorPredators are jaguar, caiman, ocelot, harpy eagle, large snakes, and peopleActive at twilight, early in the morning, and at sunsetRests in the middle of the dayOften in waterYoung follow their mothersStays in group until ready to mateNursery(all young stay together on watch by nursing mothers)When in danger hides in water keeping young in the centerSpends most of the day welding in mud

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Family StructureOne male is the group maleLess watery places, they join other small groups to make a herdUp to 100 capybaras in one herd5 months until bornOnce born in one day the capybara is able to see and walkBaby stay with mom for 1 yearCrèche = family of young In danger hides in water keeping young in middle Once reaches to maturity goes to another group

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Interesting FactsWarning cough, purr, and bark sounds4 to 5 babies at one timeWebbed feetScent gland on nose to make its territoryMales know when a female is ready to mate by her smellAverage 100 pounds eachAverage 2 feet tall 4 feet longLargest rodentsLive 8 to 10 yearsHas very sparse furFour toes on front legs, three on back legsMate in water

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BibliographyManera, Alexandria. Capybaras. Chicago: steadwell books, 2003

Wild life and plants. Newyork: marshal cavendish,2007

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