Voto:
More commonly known as the CAPYBARA, the Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris is the largest rodent in existence. Its size is similar to that of a small wild boar, with a length from head to tail that can reach up to 140 cm; the height at the shoulder often exceeds 60 cm, and the weight, quite considerable, is approximately 40-45 kg, with males being larger than females. It has very thick and hard nails, and its toes, four in the front limbs and three in the hind limbs, are connected by a thin membrane that gives the foot a functionality similar to the webbed feet of ducks, thus facilitating movement in water. In fact, the capybara has a so-called "amphibious" life as it is an excellent swimmer and spends a good part of its time in the water, where, among other things, courtship and mating occur. The head is stocky and rectangular, the snout is square, the neck is short, the ears are small, and the eyes are very dark. The mouth is equipped with two long, continuously growing incisors that can reach 8 centimeters, and the fur, which is uniform across the body, consists of hard, long bristles that are brown in color. The tail is rudimentary and barely noticeable, and the legs are short and stocky; the male has a gland on its snout that produces a secretion used for marking territory. In the wild, this animal lives near rivers and marshes in colonies where a dominant male surrounds itself with 3 to 5 or more females and their young. The capybara is a continuously polyestral species, reaching sexual maturity around 15 months, and for each pregnancy, which lasts on average 150-170 days, it can give birth to 1 to 6 young, which weigh around 700 grams at birth. The offspring are very precocious and able to follow their mother just a few hours after birth. Weaning generally occurs around 3-4 months, although the introduction of solid foods begins much earlier. In the wild, adults feed on aquatic plants, especially those found along the banks of rivers and marshes, as well as corn, sugar cane, sweet potatoes, and other types of herbs. In nature and in quiet places, they are primarily diurnal and spend their day eating and resting in a characteristic sphinx-like position (fig. 1) and moving lazily. In emergency situations, however, they can flee very quickly to seek refuge in water or underbrush. In addition to being an excellent swimmer and diver, they can remain submerged for several minutes or stay in the water for a long time with only their nose above the surface. Their natural enemies are alligators, large felines, and humans who hunt them both for their meat and for the reclamation of uncultivated areas. This rodent, given its behavioral and character traits, lends itself well to being domesticated and living in symbiosis with humans, both as a farm animal and as a pet. In captivity, it can be comfortably raised in a garden but requires a marshy area (a concrete pond works as well) where it can swim and spend at least the hottest hours of the day. Its herbaceous diet can be supplemented with seeds (such as corn) and fruit. The life expectancy ranges from 9 to 12 years.
