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Capybara, carpincho - HYDROCHAERIS HYDROCHAERIS
Class: Animals with Milk Glands (Mammalia)
The Name "Capybara": "Capybara" is from the native South American Tupi word "capibara," for the animal. "Carpincho" is unknown, but is possibly the Spanish or Portuguese word for the animal..
Location: Northern South America.
Habitat: Terrestrial. Forests and pampas near water.
Description: The capybara’s head is large with a rounded snout, and the eyes are conspicuous while the ears are small and round. It is almost completely tailless, and its overall appearance is one of bulkiness. The front feet are four-toed, the hind feet are three-toed. The toes on the hind feet are joined together by a membrane to assist in swimming. The molars are extremely complex, rootless, and in a state of constant growth. The capybara can grow up to 52 inches long - 20 inches at the shoulder - and it can weigh over one hundred pounds.
Behavior: The largest of all the rodents, the capybara is active throughout the day in areas where it is less hunted. It gathers in small groups, which go in search of food together. The diet consists mainly of aquatic plants. Capybaras are very good swimmers and when they are not diving below the surface their nostrils, eyes and ears are held out of the water, like crocodiles.
Reproduction: Gestation lasts for four or five months. The female has 10 nipples, and the single annual litter has two to eight young, which are independent after a few weeks but do not reach sexual maturity for a year or more.
Note: This animal is hunted by man for its flesh and hide. Its natural enemies are jaguars and crocodiles.
Go to the Rodents Page to learn more about all the gnawing animals.
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