Capybara

The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the world's largest living rodent. Native to South America, it is a semi-aquatic mammal, well-adapted to life near bodies of water. Capybaras have a robust, barrel-shaped body, a short head, and partially webbed feet, enabling them to swim and dive effectively. They are primarily herbivores, grazing on grasses and aquatic plants. Highly social animals, capybaras live in large groups called 'herds' or 'colonies,' facilitating social interaction and predator defense. They are known for their calm and docile nature, often coexisting peacefully with other animals, and are sometimes kept as pets, although this is more common in certain regions. Their fur is coarse and reddish-brown. They can hold their breath for up to five minutes. They are also called 'carpincho' in some regions of South America.

Capybara meaning with examples

• The family went to the zoo, and the children were thrilled to see the capybaras wallowing in their pool, seemingly unbothered by the onlookers. They looked at the capybaras happily eating grass, as they munched with great contentment. Their placid demeanor and social interactions within their enclosure provided an entertaining spectacle.
• During their Amazon river trip, they watched as multiple capybaras grazed peacefully along the riverbank and then saw one quickly dive into the water to evade a circling eagle. The capybaras' adaptability and the way they seamlessly transitioned between land and water was fascinating. They even got up close with some baby capybaras.
• In the wildlife documentary, the narrator described the capybara as the 'gentle giant' of the rodent world, highlighting its role as a prey animal in its habitat and the social bonds within a herd. The narrator informed them of the great ability of capybaras to swim and to submerge to avoid danger.
• The local animal shelter announced they had rescued a capybara abandoned in a suburban backyard. They were surprised as they were not common in that area. Now it was time to find it a suitable, experienced, and safe home, that could provide for all the capybaras needs.
• The artist incorporated a capybara into her painting, showcasing its distinctive physical features and the lush, green environment it inhabits. They showed a serene capybara in the landscape. The artist's intent was to portray the calmness and gentleness that capybaras exude in their natural setting.