Capybara

(Jrt)

Capybara
The capybara (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) is the largest rodent in the world, he lives in South America. It belongs to the family of Hydrochaeridae. It is also called cabiaï Guyana capivara Brazil (original name) and carpincho in Argentina and Uruguay.

Description and behavior

The name "capybara" comes from "Capivara," which means "Lord of herbs" in the language of Guarani Indians. In Brazil, it is known elsewhere Capivara (Brazilian Portuguese). In the countries of South America Hispanic, it is called carpincho.

A capybara adult measures between 105 and 135 centimeters in length and weighed between 35 and 65 kilograms. It is the largest rodent in the world. Its longevity is a dozen years. The female cabiai may have from two to eight babies per litter with an average of four. The record being twelve babies. The gestation lasts approximately 130 days. Newborns may accompany their mothers and eat it, but they drink milk and are not weaned before 16 weeks. The capybaras are excellent swimmers.

Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris is the only species of the genus Hydrochaeris.
The body of capybara is covered with hard brown hair and his head has a broad muzzle. His eyes are small and located above the nose, which is topped in turn by a gland that is used to mark objects with their liquid. His ears are small and rounded. It has no tail. Its front legs were 4 fingers, were behind those of 3 fingers. It leaves very characteristics on wet soils.

A semi-aquatic mammal

Like many species of ducks, capybaras threw themselves into the water when they feel threatened. Excellent swimmers and divers, they travel long distances immersed in trampling on the merits. Sometimes, as hippos, they breathe back flush with the water, barely visible: outcrop only the eyes, ears and nostrils, ready at the top of the head. They graze plants diving. The capybaras are actually semi-aquatic mammals. Thus, their mating takes place also in the water after a ceremonial complex. Finally, the water enables them to better regulate their temperature.

Predators

In marigots (river in tropical countries), while capybaras alongside adults without fear the caimans (they are quite lively and smart for their escape), their grandchildren are at increased risk. It ashore as capybaras meet most of their predators: pumas, jaguars, boas and ... Humans. The species has a very unique mix to defend itself: a gland frontal ovoid long about 7 cm, secrete a waxy substance that is used and musky odor to mark the territory of a group, two pairs of incisors , wide each 2 cm, can cut branches tough, but also to inflict serious injury; feet, webbed to the base of the claws, have four fingers on the front and three on the back.

The capybara bases its survival on an astonishing social cohesion: it is not unusual that in a group of twenty animals, young people of different ages should be entrusted to any adult, male or female. This "kindergarten" allows parents to bathe, eat or s'enduire mud without undue risk to their offspring. It is also accepted that a female nurse is breastfeeding can be all small by the same group.

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