Acerca de los capibaras: Datos fascinantes sobre el roedor más grande del mundo

Si estás buscando información sobre capibarasEstás a punto de descubrir la historia de uno de los animales más fascinantes y pacíficos de la Tierra: los capibaras Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are the world’s largest rodents—semi-aquatic creatures that live harmoniously in the wetlands and rivers of South America. You can easily spot them while staying at a hotel in Puerto Maldonado, where many eco-lodges and jungle tours take visitors to observe these gentle animals in their natural habitat. With their calm temperament, social behavior, and unique bond with other wildlife, capybaras have become an emblem of balance within the Amazon ecosystem.

Where Do Capybaras Come From?

Understanding capybaras from a geographic perspective reveals that they inhabit nearly every region of South America. From Brazil and Venezuela to Peru and Argentina, capybaras thrive in wetlands, riversides, and flooded savannas. They prefer areas with easy access to water, as it offers both food and protection. During the dry season, large herds of up to 100 individuals gather near remaining water sources, showcasing their deeply social nature and adaptability to seasonal changes.

Capybaras and Crocodiles: An Unlikely Friendship in the Wild

One of the most curious relationships in the animal kingdom is that between capybaras and crocodiles—or, more precisely, caimans, their South American relatives. Despite sharing the same water, these species maintain an extraordinary balance. Capybaras often rest beside caimans, appearing unfazed by their presence. This coexistence isn’t friendship in the human sense but rather a product of mutual respect and environmental adaptation. When danger arises, capybaras can dive underwater for up to five minutes, using their nostrils and eyes—positioned high on their heads—to stay alert while remaining almost invisible.

How Capybaras Adapt to Their Environment

Capybaras are natural swimmers thanks to their webbed feet and streamlined bodies. Their fur, though coarse, dries quickly after a swim. During Peru’s rainy months, capybaras spend hours cooling off in the water, while in the dry season, they graze on reeds and grasses. Scientists from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) note that capybaras’ digestive systems are specialized to extract maximum nutrients from tough plant fibers, even engaging in “coprophagy,” the re-ingestion of partially digested material to optimize absorption.

What Do Capybaras Eat?

Their diet consists mostly of grasses, aquatic plants, fruits, and bark. A capybara can eat up to 3.5 kg of grass daily. This constant grazing helps keep wetland vegetation balanced, making them crucial ecosystem engineers. During the wet season, they feed more freely, while in dry months, they rely on tougher, fibrous vegetation and water plants.

Social Behavior and Daily Life of Capybaras

Capybaras are social animals that live in groups of 10–20 members, sometimes expanding to 50–100 in the dry season. They communicate through whistles, clicks, and barks to alert one another of danger. Females often share parenting duties, nursing not only their own pups but also those of other group members. This collective behavior ensures the safety and success of the herd.

Capybaras as Pets: What You Should Know

In some parts of the world, capybaras have gained popularity as exotic pets. However, they are highly social animals that require access to water and companionship from their kind. Without these, they can suffer from stress and health issues. Additionally, owning one requires legal permits in most countries, as they are considered wildlife.

Interesting Facts About Capybaras You Didn’t Know

• Adult capybaras can weigh up to 91 kg (200 lbs).

• They can remain underwater for over 5 minutes when escaping predators.

• Birds, turtles, and even monkeys often rest on their backs without disturbing them.

• Their front teeth never stop growing, allowing them to chew through tough vegetation.
  

Conservation Status and Protection Efforts for Capybaras

As of 2025, capybaras are classified by the IUCN as a species of Least Concern, thanks to their widespread population. However, habitat destruction and illegal hunting still threaten some local groups. In regions like Puerto Maldonado—a key biodiversity hotspot in Peru—ecotourism and conservation initiatives help protect their natural habitats. Visitors staying in lodges or jungle accommodations can join guided tours to observe them responsibly.

Final Thoughts: Why Capybaras Are the Gentle Giants of the Animal Kingdom

Learning about capybaras is more than studying an animal—it’s understanding a symbol of harmony and coexistence. From the tranquil wetlands of Brazil to the rivers near Puerto Maldonado, these creatures remind us that peaceful coexistence with nature is possible. Observing capybaras and crocodiles sharing the same waters or watching a herd graze at sunset is an unforgettable experience. If you’re planning a trip to the Peruvian Amazon, don’t miss the chance to Book a hotel in Puerto Maldonado and witness these serene animals in their natural world.