How much do you know about the capybara

The Capybara: Largest Rodent in the World

• The capybara is a giant cavy rodent native to South America and the largest living rodent in the world.
• It is a highly social species and can be found in groups of up to 100 individuals, but usually live in groups of 10-20.
• Capybaras inhabit savannas and dense forests, and live near bodies of water.
• It is hunted for its meat and hide and for the grease from its thick fatty skin.
• The name "capybara" is derived from Tupi ka'apiûara meaning "one who eats slender leaves" or "grass-eater."
• Capybaras are semiaquatic mammals found throughout all countries of South America except Chile.
• They are herbivores, grazing mainly on grasses and aquatic plants, as well as fruit and tree bark.
• Capybaras are gregarious and have two types of scent glands.
• They mate only in water and the females have the advantage and mating choice.
• Capybaras are not considered a threatened species, but their population is reduced in some areas due to hunting and competition for livestock.
• Capybaras have adapted well to urbanization in South America and can be found in many areas in zoos and parks.
• They are farmed for meat and skins in South America and are occasionally kept as pets in the United States.