Capybara - the world's largest living rodent

Capybara The capybara (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) is a semi-aquatic herbivorous animal and lives in South America, east of the Andes. It is the world's largest living rodent. Adults reach 105 and 135 cm (40-55 in) in length, and weigh as much as 35 to 65 kg (75-140 lbs). They are good swimmers, and have partially webbed feet. They do a lot of things in the water: mating, hiding from predators, and they can stay submerged for several minutes. Capybaras can even sleep underwater, by leaving their noses just above the water to breathe.

Which zoos have them?
Artis (Netherlands), Saint Louis Zoological Park (United States) and Smithsonian National Zoological Park (United States)

The Capybara is listed as Least Concern (LR/lc), lowest risk. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category, on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Some facts about the
Capybara

Adult weight : 55 kg (121 lbs)

Maximum longevity : 15 years

Female maturity :456 days

Male maturity : 456 days

Gestation : 150 days

Weaning : 103 days

Litter size : 5

Litters per year : 1

Interval between litters : 245 days

Weight at birth : 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs)

Weight at weaning : 8.299 kg (18.2578 lbs)

Basal metabolic rate : 37 W

Body mass : 26.385 kg (58.047 lbs)

Temperature : 36.85 °C (98.33 °F)

Source: AnAge, licensed under CC

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