If you find yourself a wee bit confused after reading the title of today’s post, no need to fret. Capybara awareness has increased in the past few years, based on my own observations, but they certainly aren’t the most common animal to spot while you’re out and about.
I first learned about capybaras when I was in high school, and my obsession with them grew rapidly. I still love them to this day, and one day I would love to somehow interact with one in person.
I figure these gentle giants are worth learning more about, so please enjoy the following information about capybaras from currumbinsanctuary.com.
“They Are the Largest Rodents in the World
“Capybaras belong to the cavy family (Caviidae), their closest relatives are actually guinea pigs and rock cavies. They’re essentially the rodent version of the hippopotamus—gnawing their food whilst swimming in the South American swamps. On a slightly grosser note, these guys eat their own dung to extract maximum nutrition from their food—much like rabbits. Don’t try that at home, folks!
“Capybaras Are Fantastic Swimmers
“Capybaras can always be found living near bodies of water due to their semi-aquatic lifestyle. Along the banks of the Amazon River, these murky waters harbour many threats for a Capybara, but life by the water is still the perfect spot to set up camp—allowing them to retreat quickly and escape from predators like anacondas, wild cats and even eagles.1
“Webbed feet help them to maneuver in water, and their facial features are located towards the top of their large heads to help them see and breathe while they swim. Pretty neat, huh?!
“Can Capybaras Sleep in Water?
“Yes, Capybaras can dive and stay underwater for up to 5 minutes at a time—often falling asleep in the water whilst keeping their nose at the edge of the banks. Napping along rivers, mangroves and marshes helps them to stay cool.2 Who could blame them in the hot Amazonian sun?
“How Fast Can Capybaras Run?
“While Capybaras feel at home by the water’s edge, they certainly know their way around the land and are capable of reaching speeds of up to 35 kilometres an hour,” the web page states.
Check back tomorrow for part two.
Photo by Anna Roberts on Unsplash
ontheedgeofeverything 