What kind of animal is a capybara? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. Capybaras are so large and fat that they look like pigs, but they are actually different. It’s actually a member of the rat family. They are widely active on the continent of South America, so they are one of the animals that are familiar to South Americans.
What is a capybara? About basic status
Capybara is a rodent that belongs to the Capybara family. The largest rat in the world. The body length is 106 – 134 cm and the weight is 35 – 64 kg. The scientific name is Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris. The list of information is as follows. Capybara is very popular in South America and events are held there. If you enter the zoo in a group, the animals will show you their swimming skills inside the zoo. She is often exposed at hot springs, capybara cafes, X (twitter), YouTube, etc.
| Japanese（和名） | カピバラ |
| English（英名） | Capybara |
| scientific name(学名) | Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、 Rodentia、 Hydrochoerinae、Hydrochoerus 哺乳綱、齧歯目、テンジクネズミ科、カピバラ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 106 – 134cm |
| Weight（体重） | 35 – 64kg |
About classification
There is a subspecies of capybara called the lesser capybara.
Hydrochoerus isthmius
Capybaras are found in eastern Panama, northwestern Colombia, and western Venezuela. Its name is lesser capybara or Hime capybara. The Japanese capybara looks a lot like a capybara, but the adult Japanese capybara usually weighs about 28 kg, so it is a little smaller.
About habitat
Capybaras can be found in South America.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
Capybara is the largest living rodent. It has four fingers on its front legs and three toes on its hind legs, and has small webs between its toes, which allow it to swim. Their body hair is hard and long, and has the ability to shed water just by shaking their body. Capybaras usually live in grasslands and riverside areas.
What is your personality like?
Capybaras are very gentle and gentle animals. Basically, capybaras live in groups rather than alone, so they are very social creatures. They often fall asleep and are very laid-back animals. They also do not like getting wet in the rain and tend to huddle together to regulate their body temperature.
What is the ecology like?
Capybaras are herbivores, eating grass and other plants found in or near water. The form of coexistence is viviparous. During mating season, the male will rub the scent gland on his nose against the leaves of the surrounding trees to attract the female. The gestation period is 150 days, and mating takes place underwater. Up to 7 puppies can be born at one time. Lifespan is 5 – 10 years.
Are there any natural enemies?
Capybaras are attacked by jaguars, pumas, etc. However, capybaras have a way of escaping into the water, and since they can swim, they often look for rivers when they escape.
Are capybaras an endangered species?
Capybaras as a whole are not an endangered species. However, the lesser capybara, which is a subspecies, is in a pinch. The possibility of extinction has been pointed out due to the destruction of mining forests, the drainage of swamps, and the extremely small habitat.
Can capybaras be kept as pets?
Can capybaras be kept as pets? There is a high hurdle called money. If you want to purchase a capybara, you will need to spend between 700,000 yen and nearly 1 million yen. Since they are rare animals as pets, they are expensive, so it is not easy. It is also important to find a veterinarian who will treat your capybara.
What should I feed?
Capybaras are herbivores, so they prefer pellets, fruits, vegetables, and grass. Please note that they are big eaters, so food costs will be high.
Breeding space
Capybara is the world’s largest rodent. The breeding space needs to be fairly large. A bathing area is required. If your body does not come in contact with water for a long time, your skin will become dry. You will also need a toilet, bedding, and heating equipment.
コメント