The World's Largest Rodent

The capybara is the largest living rodent. It lives near freshwater across South America except Chile.

Adults grow 106 to 134 centimeters long and weigh 35 to 66 kilograms. That is a lot of guinea pig.

Its name comes from Tupi ka'apiûara, meaning one who eats slender leaves. The genus name Hydrochoerus means water pig.

These herbivores graze on grasses and aquatic plants.

Groups usually hold 10 to 20 individuals. During the dry season they gather up to 100 around available water sources.

They eat their own feces to digest grass.

They are superb swimmers. A capybara can hold its breath underwater for up to 5 minutes at a time.

Birds perch on them to catch flushed arthropods or eat skin parasites.