All About South American Capybaras

Capybaras are social animals that spend most of their time near lakes, ponds, and marshes across South America. Called “water pigs,” these champion swimmers are also the world’s largest rodent. Discover more about these friendly animals in All About South American Capybaras, one of 30 books in our Animals Around the World series. Each title is beautifully illustrated with large, eye-catching photographs, a map, and glossary.

Human exploitation of other mammals has passed through three histori cal phases, distinct in their ecological significance though overlapping in time. Initially, Homo sapiens was a predator, particularly of herbivores but also of fur-bearing predators. From about 11 000 years ago, goats and sheep were domesticated in the Middle East, rapidly replacing gazelles and other game as the principal source of meat. The principal crops, including wheat and barley, were taken into agriculture at about the same time, and the resulting Neolithic farming culture spread slowly from there over the subsequent 10 500 years. In a few places such as Mexico, Peru and China, this Middle Eastern culture met and merged with agricultural traditions that had made a similar but independent transition. These agricultural traditions provided the essential support for the industrial revolution, and for a third phase of industrial exploita tion of mammals. In this chapter, these themes are drawn out and their ecological signifi cance is investigated. Some of the impacts of humans on other mammals require consideration on a world-wide basis, but the chapter concen trates, parochially, on Great Britain. What have been the ecological consequences of our exploitation of other mammals? 2. 2 HISTORICAL PHASES OF EXPLOITATION 2. 2. 1 Predatory man Our nearest relatives - chimpanzees, orang utans and gorillas - are essentially forest species, deriving most of their diet from the fruits of forest trees and the shoots and leaves of plants.

This natural history details information about the capybaras' anatomy, ecology, behavior, biology, conservation, management, and taxonomy. Capybaras are robust and agile, and reach the size of a small pig and weigh upward of 100 pounds at maturity. They range throughout South American tropical wetlands. Largely extirpated from their former haunts through agricultural practices and poaching, they have adapted well to human management and conservation efforts and are frequently raised on ranches as valued sources of both meat and leather. The herbivorous rodents play a vital role in the ecosystems of natural grasslands, wetlands, and gallery forests and are commonly prey for caimans, anacondas, jaguars, and pumas. The book describes the capybaras' known history; the diseases, parasites, and hazards they face; and their population and behavioral characteristics. It also discusses how they interact with predators and other animals and explains their long-running and growing commercial importance to humankind.

The capybara is the neotropical mammal with the highest potential for production and domestication. Amongst the favorable characteristics for domestication we can list its high prolificacy, rapid growth rate, a herbivorous diet, social behavior and relative tameness. The genus (with only two species) is found from the Panama Canal to the north of Argentina on the east of the Andes. Chile is the only country in South America where the capybara is not found. The species is eaten all over its range, especially by poor, rural and traditional communities engaged in subsistence hunting. On the other hand, in large urban settlements wildlife is consumed by city dwellers as a delicacy. The sustainable management of capybara in the wild has been adopted by some South American countries, while others have encouraged capybara rearing in captivity.

“An enjoyable read that provides a substantial amount of detail on the biology, ecology, and distribution of these fantastic animals . . . Highly recommended.” —Choice More than 10,000 years ago spectacularly large mammals roamed the pampas and jungles of South America. This book tells the story of these great beasts during and just after the Pleistocene, the geological epoch marked by the great ice ages. Megafauna describes the history and way of life of these animals, their comings and goings, and what befell them at the beginning of the modern era and the arrival of humans. It places these giants within the context of the other mammals then alive, describing their paleobiology—how they walked; how much they weighed; their diets, behavior, biomechanics; and the interactions among them and with their environment. It also tells the stories of the scientists who contributed to our discovery and knowledge of these transcendent creatures and the environment they inhabited. The episode known as the Great American Biotic Interchange, perhaps the most important of all natural history “experiments,” is also an important theme of the book, tracing the biotic events of both North and South America that led to the fauna and the ecosystems discussed in this book. “Collectively, this book brings attention to the discovery and natural history of ancient beasts in South America while providing a broader temporal and geographic background that allows readers to understand their evolution and potential immigration to South America.” —Quarterly Review of Biology “An excellent volume . . . This book is likely to facilitate progress in the understanding of fossil mammals from the Americas.” —Priscum

Most rodents, such as mice, rats, and chipmunks, are small animals—but not the capybara! This animal is the biggest rodent in the world. An adult capybara is the size of a large dog, growing to a length of about 4 feet (1.2 m) and weighing about 110 pounds (50 kg). Capybaras live in big groups of 10 to 30 animals and travel together looking for food. As they move, they bark, grunt, chirp, and whistle to keep in touch with one another. These super-sized animals are big communicators! In Capybara: The World’s Largest Rodent, large color photos and grade-appropriate text will engage young readers as they learn about the natural habitat, physical characteristics, diet, life cycle, and behavior of this huge rodent. A comparison diagram is also included to show readers the animal in relation to a familiar object.

Named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus and the New York Public Library “Purely exquisite.”—Kirkus (Starred) For kids ages 4-8, a charming and hilarious tale about capybaras: the beloved animal sensation capturing children’s hearts! Hens and their chicks love their warm, snug home. Life is simple and comfortable in the chicken coop, where everyone knows their place and worries are far away. Until one day, when the capybaras appear. To the hens, the capybaras are too big, too wet, and too hairy. They don’t even follow the rules! But it’s hunting season, and the capybaras need somewhere safe to hide. Can the hens learn to get along with their unexpected guests? This delightful story shares the importance of opening our hearts to each other, no matter our differences, and the marvelous surprises that can happen along the way. An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

This book of photography represents National Geographic's Photo Ark, a major cross-platform initiative and lifelong project by photographer Joel Sartore to make portraits of the world's animals -- especially those that are endangered. His message: to know these animals is to save them. Sartore intends to photograph every animal in captivity in the world. He is circling the globe, visiting zoos and wildlife rescue centers to create studio portraits of 12,000 species, with an emphasis on those facing extinction. He has photographed more than 6,000 already and now, thanks to a multi-year partnership with National Geographic, he may reach his goal. This book showcases his animal portraits: from tiny to mammoth, from the Florida grasshopper sparrow to the greater one-horned rhinoceros. Paired with the prose of veteran wildlife writer Douglas Chadwick, this book presents an argument for saving all the species of our planet.

Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents! Thriving at the water’s edge deep in the rain forests of South America, these unusual critters know how to keep busy. Whether wallowing in the mud, searching for tasty grasses, or evading predators, capybaras are adapted to thrive in the rain forest!

An ode to friendship delivered by the capybara and their many animal friends! Whether they're sharing their favorite snacks, laughing along with your best jokes, or cheering you on through thick and thin, capybaras know what it means to be a good friend! This lighthearted ode to friendship is delivered by capybaras, gentle giants who are known for their calm demeanor and social friendships with other animals, from dogs and monkeys to turtles and birds. This gift book features charming photography of these cuddly creatures and their assorted animal companions, paired with sweet advice and odes to friendship, straight from nature's experts. This celebration of the capybara's community, love, and kindness towards everyone—regardless of whether they have hooves, claws, or shells—is a must-have gift for friends of all sizes. ANIMAL FRIENDSHIPS: Whether it's playing with puppies, basking with caimans, getting into mischief with monkeys, sharing a bite to eat with bunnies, or giving a ride to a butterfly, You're A Good Friend, Capybara is full of unexpectedly delightful real life photos of animals being friends. FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD: Although they are native to South America, these lovable giant rodents have gained huge followings around the world for their photogenic friendships and chill demeanor, and can be found at many zoos and refuges globally. A GIFT FOR FRIENDS: This book is the perfect feel good present for any friend. Whether it's someone you see every day or your far away bestie, this little book is full of sweet, funny, and heartfelt reminders of what makes a good friend. Perfect for birthdays, Galentine's Day, wedding party gifts, and any occasion to say, "You're a good friend!"