Have you ever seen a capybara? These gentle giants are the largest rodents on the planet, and they’re pretty unique creatures.

What is a group of capybaras called? Where do these rodents come from? What is their social hierarchy? Find out the answers to these questions (and more) in this article! So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and meet the capybara!

What are Capybaras?

As mentioned earlier, Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world. They are known for their chill nature and social behavior, often forming groups in the wild.

Size

Wild capybaras usually grow up to 4.4 feet (134 cm) long and typically weigh up to 146 pounds (66 kg). The heaviest wild capybara ever recorded weighed 201 pounds (91 kg)! 

Species and Range

There are two species of capybaras: the greater capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) and the lesser capybara (Hydrochoerus isthmius).

Capybaras are native to South America. They can be found in wetlands and grasslands of Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia. 

Conservation Status

Their status in the wild is considered a lesser concern by recent conservation assessments. While greater capybara populations are healthy, their lesser cousins are threatened due to excessive hunting and loss of habitat.

The Name of the Capybara Gathering

The collective noun for a group of capybaras is known as a herd. A typical herd of capybaras includes about 10 to 20 members. Occasionally, you might stumble upon a gathering that’s twice that size. Some groups have been known to number over 100!

This group functions as a family, with everyone chipping in. These animals spend their days together and seem to enjoy each other’s company. 

Advantages of Living In A Herd

By living in groups, they can look out for predators together, with many eyes on the lookout for danger. This collaborative effort increases their chances of spotting a threat and escaping unharmed.

Moreover, their social bonds are strengthened through activities like grooming and playing together.

The Social Hierarchy of Capybara Herds

Though they may seem relaxed and chill, Capybaras maintain a well-defined social structure within their groups.

At the top of this hierarchy is the dominant male, often seen as the leader of the pack. This top capybara is actively involved in the daily life of the herd. The females and less dominant males follow his lead.

Responsibilities of the Head Capybara

As the head honcho, the boss capybara has several responsibilities.

Peacemaker

One of his main roles is to maintain peace among the members. If any squabbles arise, he steps in to calm everything down, and everyone else falls in line.

Father Figure

This leader is also a caregiver. He often becomes the father to many of the youngsters in the group, playing a part in guiding and protecting the next generation of capybaras.

Almost 80% of the pups in a herd tend to be fathered by the head capybara.

Distributing Resources Fairly

Unlike what you would imagine, the dominant male doesn’t monopolize resources. He doesn’t snatch the best sleeping spot or take more than his share of food. Instead, he upholds fairness in the distribution of resources.

This ensures that all members of the herd, from the smallest pups to the oldest adults, get their fair share of the habitat’s offering.

Capybara Herds and Water

Capybaras are semiaquatic creatures, which means they live on both land and water. They can be found lounging near rivers, lakes, and swamps. Water is a big part of their lives, and they’re excellent swimmers. 

These rodents stay mostly submerged in water to regulate their body temperature. Their webbed feet make them as graceful in water as they are awkward on land.

Like hippos, their eyes, ears and nostrils are on the top of their heads, which lets them stay alert while in the water.

Mud Baths

Besides swimming, capybaras can be seen playing or soaking in mud baths. These activities are crucial for their well-being.

Mud baths help capybaras keep their skin healthy and avoid pesky insects. Plus, in the scorching heat, a dip in the water is a pleasing way to cool down.

What Do Capybaras Eat?

These rodents have a diverse diet. It primarily consists of aquatic vegetation, grasses, and fruits.

However, they also consume their own poop in the morning. This allows them to extract nutrients the second time around that weren’t fully extracted before.

This behavior, called coprophagy, may seem unappetizing to us, but it is an important part of their digestive process.

It Takes a Herd to Raise a Capybara

Female capybaras give birth after the wet season. Capybara babies, known as pups, are not just raised by the mothers but by all the other adult females in the group. This remarkable behavior is called alloparenting.

All the females in the group band together to look after the young ones. This could include being nursed, groomed, or protected. 

Benefits of Alloparenting

This shared parenting strategy plays a crucial role in the survival of the species. By pooling their resources, capybaras ensure that their babies have higher chances of growing up healthy and strong.

It also allows mothers to take breaks, maintaining their own health and well-being. This is just as important for the herd’s overall success.

Alloparenting helps in teaching the young ones about social bonds and communication within the group. As they interact with various adults and siblings, they learn the skills necessary to thrive in their environment. 

How Capybaras Communicate With Each Other

Capybaras have a unique way of communicating with each other. Just like people use words and gestures, capybaras have their own set of sounds and body moves to share messages.

They rely on a mix of grunts, clicks, and whistles to express themselves and convey information. They also use their bodies to show how they’re feeling or what they want to do.

Social Memory

One of the fascinating things about capybaras is their social memory. They can remember each other’s names and faces. This skill helps them recognize every member of their group.

By knowing who is who, they can maintain strong friendships and look out for each other. This social structure is especially important when they play together, take a group nap under the warm sun, or alert the herd if there is a predator nearby.

When one capybara sends out a warning call, others quickly understand that danger is near. They also use softer sounds, like purrs, during friendlier moments, which helps strengthen their bonds. 

Final Thoughts

The social dynamics of capybaras are fascinating to observe. Their interactions are not based on aggression but rather on mutual respect and cooperation. This sense of community helps the herd thrive in their natural habitat, facing challenges together with resilience.

These rodents have shown what it is like when you surround yourself with good company. They are the true definition of family first!