The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is a fascinating and unique mammal native to South America. Known for being the largest rodent in the world, capybaras have a robust, barrel-shaped body covered in coarse, brownish fur. Adults typically weigh between 35 and 66 kilograms (77 to 146 pounds) and can reach lengths of up to 1.3 meters (4.3 feet). They have slightly webbed feet, which make them excellent swimmers, and their eyes, ears, and nostrils are positioned high on their heads, allowing them to stay alert while submerged in water.

Capybaras are highly social animals and live in groups that usually consist of 10 to 20 individuals, though during the dry season, these groups can merge to form herds of up to 100 capybaras. They communicate with each other using a variety of sounds, including purrs, whistles, barks, and clicks. Their social structure is hierarchical, with dominant males leading the group and having breeding rights with the females. These friendly and gentle creatures are often seen resting and grazing together, and their communal lifestyle helps them protect against predators.

Capybaras are semi-aquatic and spend a significant amount of time in and around water. They are excellent swimmers and can stay submerged for several minutes to avoid predators or cool off in the heat. Water is essential to their habitat, as it provides a refuge from predators and a source of food. Capybaras feed primarily on grasses and aquatic plants, but they will also eat fruit, bark, and grains when available. Their digestive system is specially adapted to break down tough plant material, and they practice coprophagy, consuming their own feces to extract additional nutrients.

Despite their large size and somewhat ungainly appearance, capybaras are known for their friendly and docile nature. They often share their habitat with other animals and are even known to form symbiotic relationships with birds that feed on insects found on their fur. Capybaras have adapted well to life in captivity and are popular attractions in zoos and wildlife parks around the world. Their conservation status is currently of least concern, though they face threats from habitat destruction and hunting in some areas.