Note: The following was an assignment created by Al Vichot for an undergraduate course at Davidson College.
Capybara (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris)
--also known as Carpincho, ChigŸire and Waterhog--
Image taken from http://www.rebsig.com/capybara/capyc6.
Capybaras are the world's largest rodents. They are found throughout the river basins of South America wallowing in the water, resting or grazing on the terrestrial and aquatic grasses available to them. Capybaras are found in relatively small groups (usually about ten individuals) and with size fluctuations over the year as new members enter and sub-adults leave the group. Capybaras graze, rest and wallow in these groups and occupy a territory, which they defend. Territoriality is, after all, defined as defense of a given location and the dominant male of the group leads this occupation. Water is overabundant so the resources defended are grazing areas and nesting sites. An herbivorous species, capybaras are selective grazers only consuming and ingesting grasses and reeds rich in nutrients so this resource is defended. In addition, nesting sites must be defended from potential predators like the spectacled caiman, the jaguar, the black vulture and the crested caracara. The capybaras are also a very cooperative species: every individual benefits from participation in the social group. Females accept the polygynous nature of the group in exchange for protection and access to resources while subordinate males accept being “alienated” to the periphery of the group in exchange for protection and access to resources.
Please click on a link:
-Habitat and Habitat Utilization
-General Description of Animal and Social System
-Social Spacing
-Social Relationships
A. Mating System: Male/Female Relationship
C. Female/Female Relationships
D. Parent/offspring Relationships
Click here to visit the Capybara Page.
Click here to visit the Davidson College Biology Department website.
Click here to visit the Davidson College website.
Questions? Email Dr. Case: vecase@davidson.edu