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The name is misleading: the capybara is not closely related to the pig. It belongs to rodents.
Originating from South America and somewhat akin to beavers and otters, the capybara—also known by the alternative name “water pig”—is in part an aquatic animal. On TikTok, Instagram and the like, these charming rodents are attracting a great deal of attention. But what makes these exotics so unique, and could a capybara be suitable as a pet?
Capybaras (scientific name: Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are the largest living rodents on earth. They have a head-to-body length of 100 to 134 centimetres and a shoulder height ranging from 50 to 62 centimetres, making them roughly the size of a Golden Retriever. However, they weigh significantly more, tipping the scales at approx. 50 to 75 kilograms.
Belonging to the guinea pig family, these imposing rodents do bear a slight resemblance to our smaller domestic guinea pigs. Their fur is long, coarse and coloured anything from a reddish-brown to a yellowish-grey. Nevertheless, their coat isn’t particularly thick, being so sparse in places that the animals’ skin can be seen peeking through.
Chunky Body, Broad Head
The broad head of the water pigs looks notably solid. Their ears, eyes, and nostrils are aligned across the top of the head, allowing them to survey their surroundings with ease even when most of their body is submerged.
Bearing a stout and hefty body, capybaras have short limbs and a reduced tail. True to their rodent nature, they possess rootless incisors that keep growing throughout their lifetime.
The Subtle Difference
Males and females of this species are nearly indistinguishable in appearance. However, males have a distinctive scent gland on their snouts, and females tend to grow slightly larger in size.
Capybaras are precocious: they are born completely hairy.
Habitat and Distribution: In Which Country Can You Find Capybaras?
Capybaras inhabit expansive areas of South America. From Colombia, Venezuela and Guyana, through Ecuador, Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay, down to Uruguay and Argentina, these large rodents are found.
As they prefer aquatic environments, their habitats mainly follow the courses of significant rivers, such as the Orinoco, the Amazon, the Rio São Francisco, and the Río de la Plata, but lakes, ponds, and mangrove forests also serve as their homes. In the Pantanal, the world’s largest inland wetland, especially many water pigs thrive.
New Habitats for the Capybara
Unlike many wild animals, capybaras can adapt relatively well to living near humans. They may even benefit when dry forests or thorny savannas are transformed into plantations or pastures, as man-made irrigation systems and water sources create new habitats for these water-loving rodents.
Behaviour and Lifestyle: Are Capybaras Friendly?
Water pigs are known for their peaceful nature. In zoos, they are often held together with other South American species, such as alpacas, tapirs, or giant anteaters. They also tend to get along well with birds, tolerating them even perching on their heads or backs.
These sociable animals live in herds typically comprising 6 to 20 members. During the dry season, these groups can swell significantly in size as many capybaras gather around lakes and rivers. They communicate with each other using various sounds, including whistles, purrs, grunts, and clicks.
Dusk or Night Active
These large rodents do not dig burrows but instead doze during the day in shallow waters or puddles. They are usually most active at dusk and begin foraging for food from late afternoon or early morning onwards.
At night, they retreat to land for sleep, nestling in dense vegetation. In areas where they are hunted by humans, they alter their behaviour and become nocturnal.
Dive into the Water
Natural predators include jaguars, pumas, bush dogs, caimans, and anacondas. Youngsters might also be preyed upon by birds of prey. When in danger, capybaras prefer to flee into the water. They are excellent swimmers and can even close their nostrils, staying submerged for up to five minutes—quite the aquatic marvels!
Food: What Do Capybaras Most Enjoy Eating?
The name “Capybara” derives from the Guaraní indigenous language, roughly translating to “Master of the Grasses.” It’s a fitting moniker given that this animal is one of the largest grass-eaters in South America.
Strict Vegetarians
Their diet mainly consists of marsh grasses and water plants. Occasionally, however, they venture into plantations to feast on crops like sugarcane or corn.
Worth noting: just like guinea pigs and rabbits, water pigs consume their cecotropes to make the most of their tough-to-digest vegetarian diet.
How Much Does a Capybara Eat?
A fully-grown capybara requires around 2.7 to 3.6 kilograms of grass daily. Their diet is primarily based on just four to six plant species, including the West Indian marsh grass (Hymenachne amplexicaulis).
Breeding and Rearing of the Young
Capybaras mate all year round, with most offspring born during the rainy season, which is between April to May in the northern and October in the southern parts of South America.
Females usually have one litter per year, occasionally two. After a gestation period of approx. 110 to 150 days, four to eight young are born. Since the animals do not make nests, births can occur anywhere within the territory.
Capybaras Mature Quickly
Newborn capybaras are fully furred and already have their permanent teeth. They can consume grass shortly after birth and are weaned at about three to four months of age. They reach sexual maturity at 15 to 18 months.
Conservation Status: Are Capybaras Endangered?
Water pigs are widespread across South America and are not considered an endangered species. However, in regions where they were once native, populations have significantly decreased or vanished entirely—such as in parts of Peru or Venezuela.
Much of this is due to hunting for their skin, which is turned into a light leather used in products like gloves, jackets, or saddles. Their meat is also consumed as a fasting food or made into sausages in some areas.
How Long Does a Capybara Live?
In the wild, capybaras typically live for about 8 to 10 years. Those in captivity often live longer, with a lifespan of 12 years or more not being uncommon in zoos.
Similar to a caiman, only the eyes and the tip of the nose protrude from the water when the capybara swims.
Can You Keep Capybaras as Pets?
In theory, it is feasible to keep capybaras as pets. Since the species is not currently endangered, there are no restrictions on international trade. However, depending on the place of residence, keeping them might require a permit.
Yet, whether the housing needs of these large rodents can be met in a private household is somewhat questionable. They roam territories spanning 80 to 200 hectares in the wild. Even as domestic or zoo animals, they require ample space.
Proper Care
Any prospective private owner of capybaras must thoroughly research the needs of these exotic wild animals. For instance, they must be fed a species-appropriate diet. As capybaras cannot produce Vitamin C naturally, their diet must fulfil this requirement, or they risk diseases like scurvy.
Additionally, carers need to ensure the animals’ continually growing teeth are worn down regularly. Failure to do so can lead to painful dental problems.
Conclusion: Animal Stars on Social Media
On social media platforms such as TikTok or Instagram, capybaras are genuine celebrities. There’s a bevy of memes, videos, and songs that feature these adorable rodents centre stage. It’s no surprise, then, that many an animal lover dreams of having a water pig as a pet.
However, even if it’s theoretically possible to keep them privately in many places: capybaras remain wild animals best suited to the South American wilderness. Those wishing to see capybaras up-close should visit a zoo, where their habitat can be replicated as closely as possible, and professional carers and veterinarians tend to these cute critters.
Capybara Profile
Quick Facts:
Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents, belonging to the guinea pig family and have a pronounced love for water.
Shoulder Height:
50-62 cm
Weight:
50-75 kg
Average Lifespan:
8-10 years, up to 12 years or more in captivity
Predators:
Jaguars, pumas, anacondas, bush dogs
Nature:
Sociable, peaceable
Fur:
Long, coarse, not very dense; shades from reddish-brown to yellowish-grey
Diet:
Marsh grasses and water plants
Sexual Maturity:
At approx. 15 to 18 months
Gestation Period:
Approx. 110 to 150 days
Litter Size:
4 to 8 offspring
Distribution:
Wide areas of South America
Suitability as a Pet:
Possible, but meeting their needs is challenging; from an animal welfare perspective, not recommended.
Here are some purchase proposals curated by the zooplus editorial team
The products featured have been carefully selected by our editorial staff and are available at the zooplus online pet shop. The selection does not constitute advertising for the mentioned brands.
Natalie Decker
"A life without a pug is possible, but pointless," Loriot once said. I would unreservedly agree and add: "A life without horse, cat and rabbit as well!" My heart beats for all animals big and small and I have the great fortune to be able to write about my passion as a freelance author. With my articles I would like to raise awareness for animal welfare and give useful tips to animal lovers.
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