Capybaras - Facts for Kids

Basic Information

Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world, even bigger than a beaver!

The scientific name for capybaras is Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, which means “water pig” or “water hog” in Greek!

A group of capybaras is called a herd, and they love to spend time together!

Capybaras can be found throughout South America, from Panama all the way down to northern Argentina!

Wild capybaras typically live for 6–10 years, but they can live up to 12 years when cared for in zoos!

A grown-up capybara can weigh between 35 and 70 kilograms (about 77-150 pounds), which is about the same weight as a big dog!

Capybaras don’t have special names for males, females, or babies — scientists simply call them males, females, and young.

Capybaras are herbivores, which means they only eat plants!

An adult capybara can grow to be up to 4.4 feet long (134 centimeters), about the length of a small sofa!

Capybaras belong to the family Caviidae, making them relatives of guinea pigs and rock cavies!

A capybara can sprint about 22 miles per hour (35 km/h) when it needs to run fast.

A capybara has about 20 teeth in total, and its large front incisors never stop growing.

Capybara live in groups of 10–20 individuals, but sometimes herds can grow to include up to 100 capybaras!

A capybara’s shoulders stand about 2 feet (60 centimeters) tall, about the height of a kitchen chair!

The word “capybara” comes from the Tupi language of Brazil and means “one who eats slender leaves”!

Capybaras can be found in all South American countries except Chile!

Capybaras have ancient ancestors — scientists have found fossils from around the late Miocene, which is over 5 million years ago!

Capybaras are classified as semi-aquatic mammals because they spend lots of time both on land and in water!

Capybaras are most active during dawn and dusk, which scientists call being “crepuscular”!

Capybaras are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for up to 5 minutes!

Physical Characteristics

Capybaras have slight webs between their toes, which makes them better swimmers!

A capybara can hide almost all of its body underwater, leaving just its eyes, ears, and nose above the surface so it can watch, listen, and breathe safely.

Capybaras have special fur that dries quickly when they get out of the water!

Capybaras have coats that are often reddish-brown or grayish on top, with lighter yellow-brown underneath — perfect for blending into their wetland homes!

Capybaras have coats that are often reddish-brown or grayish on top, with lighter yellow-brown underneath — perfect for blending into their wetland homes!

Capybaras have 4 toes on their front feet and 3 toes on their back feet!

Capybaras are rodents, and like many rodents (and rabbits), their teeth (especially the front incisors) grow continuously throughout their lives.

Capybaras don’t have tails like most rodents, but instead have a small, stumpy bump!

Capybaras have special scent glands, including one on their nose called the morillo and glands near the anus, which they use to mark territory and communicate with other capybaras.

Capybaras have special digestive systems with large stomachs that help them break down tough plant material!

Behavior & Intelligence

Capybaras make lots of different sounds — barks, whistles, purrs, chirps, grunts, squeals, and more.

Capybaras live in groups, and when one of them notices danger, it will warn the rest with a shout or bark so everyone can stay alert.

Capybaras often groom each other by nibbling and licking — it helps keep them clean, calm, and close as friends in their herd!

Capybaras take mud baths to keep cool and protect their skin from the sun!

Capybaras take mud baths to keep cool and protect their skin from the sun!

Capybaras can sleep in water, keeping their noses above the surface!

Habitat & Survival

Capybaras love living near water, but sometimes they wander a bit farther away to explore new places!

Capybaras can live in many places — rainforests, grasslands (savannas), and wetlands — as long as there’s water to swim in and plants to eat!

Capybaras are tropical animals that prefer warm water above 75°F (24°C), and they don’t tolerate cold well — that’s why Japanese zoos give them heated hot spring baths in winter!

Capybaras often share their territory with birds that eat insects off their fur!

Capybaras can climb steep riverbanks using their strong legs and sharp claws.

Capybaras can survive in both wild habitats and urban areas near humans!

Capybaras can quickly escape danger by diving underwater and staying submerged for up to five minutes — they’re excellent swimmers who can reach speeds of 5 mph when fleeing from predators!

Capybaras can change their activity patterns based on human presence in their habitat!

Life Cycle

Baby capybaras are born highly developed — they can walk and swim within their first day and begin eating grass within their first week.

A mother capybara typically gives birth to 3-5 pups (most commonly 4), but litter sizes can range from 1 to 8 pups!

Capybara pregnancies last about 150 days, about 5 months!

Baby capybaras typically weigh between 2–4 pounds (about 1–2 kilograms) when they’re born, though some can weigh up to 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg) or more!

Young capybaras start eating grass when they’re just 1 week old!

Female capybaras typically have one litter of pups per year, but can have two litters annually when conditions are especially favorable with abundant food and water!