Capybara

Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris

Pantanal, Brazil - August 2000

Capybara, the world's largest rodent, is the size of a large dog and large males weigh about 65kg.

Pantanal, Brazil - August 2000

It is widespread and common in most of the wetland areas of South America, and is generally found in small family groups of about 20 individuals.

Pantanal, Brazil - August 2000

Although they are suberbly adapted for an aquatic lifestyle (are excellent swimmers with eyes and nostrils on the top of their heads allowing them to breathe and see while almost completely submerged), Capybaras use water primarily as a place of refuge with most of their normal daily activity taking place on land.

Pantanal, Brazil - August 2000

Pantanal, Brazil - August 2000