Know Your Enemy
Accurate identification of pests is as important as choosing the best preventive pest management available on the market today. Preventive Pest Control has compiled a list of most common pests to help you identify the problem.
Capybara
(Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
Characteristics
The Capybara is known to be the largest rodent in existence. It weighs from 72 3/4 to 158 73/100 lbs and has a length of about 1/2 inch. This animal has a fat and heavy appearance, has a short head and muzzle and has no tail. The fur is pale to dark brown, but with a shade of yellow, red or brown that can easily dry off once it is on land. It has a hoof-like claws and short, sturdy limbs that is used when walking on slippery banks or when swimming. Its eyes, ears, nose are all positioned on the top of its head so that it can still see, hear and smell while in the water.
Habitat
Capybaras are found in Central and South America. They live in grassy plains, rainforests, and in densely vegetated areas that are close to water.
Behavior
Capybaras are social animals that prefer to live in groups. Their population may just be a simple three members to a growing number of 30 individuals. It is difficult to find a capybara alone since this will mean that the capybara becomes excluded from any group. A capybara living alone may not have a chance to mate or even live longer.
They live within their territories that they have to defend and maintain from the other herds. They follow a dominant male, which will also be the father of most of the young ones. They are susceptible to heat stress because of their size and weight, which is why they also stay in the water most of the day and may come out at the end of the day because the sun’s heat is already gone.
Food
Capybaras are herbivorous. They prefer grass and aquatic plants, but they can also feed on fruits, and sometimes may feed on the soft tree bark.
Life Cycle
Capybaras live in herds that follow a dominant male. They can breed all year round, but it may peak during the rainy season. When a female begins her estrus cycle, the dominant male will try to be the only rodent to breed with the females. However, in large herds, this can be difficult. A female capybara may mate with the dominant male, while also mating with subordinate males.
After 150 days, the female may have 2 to 8 youngs per litter. Young capybaras are precocial. They will be able to stand and walk, right after birth. After a week, they are able to eat grass, although they will still be weaned until their third month. The herd usually follows a cooperative parenting where other mothers will help in feeding the young capybaras and protecting them against predators.
Other Information and Tips
Capybaras and humans have long lived together without annoyance. However, there is a decline in the population of this animal. They are still not part of being endangered, but recent studies indicate that their population has grown smaller. This is due to being hunted down by people, the loss of their natural habitat, and the increase of pollution in the water that makes it more and more unsafe for these creatures. Capybaras may be considered pests when they enter crop fields to get their desired vegetables, roods and flowers. But, in their natural habitat, the capybaras are amazing rodents that should just be left alone.
Photo Adrian Pingstone (Photographed by Adrian Pingstone) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
