Capybara

Scientific name: Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

The world's largest living rodent with a robust, barrel-shaped body covered in coarse, brownish-grey fur. The head is broad and blunt with small eyes and ears set high; males may appear slightly bulkier with denser facial hair.

Size and weight

Males typically weigh 45–65 kg, females 36–48 kg. Head-to-body length 100–130 cm.

Habitat

Capybaras inhabit wetlands, marshes, and riverbanks in warm, humid lowland regions. They favour open terrain adjacent to water and areas with low grasses and floating vegetation.

Distribution

Found throughout South America east of the Andes, from Venezuela south to northeastern Argentina. Highest densities occur in wetland complexes such as the Llanos and Pantanal.

Diet

Graze primarily on grasses and aquatic vegetation; peak feeding occurs at dawn and dusk, with diet varying seasonally based on plant availability.

Behaviour

Crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk. Highly social, living in groups of 5–20 individuals; excellent swimmers and semi-aquatic, using water as primary escape cover.

Hunting tips

Track mud banks and soft ground for distinctive clustered hoof prints; scat is characteristic barrel-shaped pellets. Approach from downwind across open feeding areas during dawn or dusk. Use vegetation strips and water margins for cover when stalking groups.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 8 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.