Сapybara

The capybara, or water pig , is a semi-aquatic herbivorous mammal of the water pig family, the only representative in the family. The capybara is the largest among modern rodents. The capybara is considered the friendliest animal in the world, although they have a serious expression on their faces.

The capybara's body length ranges from 1 to 1.3 meters, Females are larger than males. The capybara weighs from 34 to 65 kg. If the capybara stands on its hind legs, it will be the size of a 7-year-old child. The capybara is found in Central and South America, where it is found from Panama to Uruguay, up to the province of Buenos Aires. Capybara lives on the banks of various reservoirs. But at the same time, you can have a capybara as a pet. however, this will require a large area, a warm climate, and plenty of water to make the animal feel at home in its normal environment.

The Indians call the capybara "the master of herbs", since this rodent is a herbivore. With its sharp teeth, the water pig cuts the grass like a razor. The capybara feeds on the fruits and tubers of plants. In addition, the capybara feeds on hay and various aquatic plants, as well as vegetables, such as zucchini, and fruits, including bananas and melons. Plants consumed in the summer, they do not eat in the winter because of the reduced nutritional value.

The capybara rodent is a social animal and has its own hierarchy. Capybaras live in groups of 10-20 individuals. The leader in such groups is the dominant male. In the group there are also a few females (they have their own internal hierarchy), the young and subordinate males. Sometimes capybaras live alone, and even then only males. It is not uncommon for the dominant male to expel other males from the group in order to avoid competition.

This animal is a capybara that can grow all year round. But usually the mating season is April-may or October-November. Mating takes place under water. The gestation period of the capybara is about 150 days. The birth of capybara cubs takes place right on the ground, as the females do not arrange shelters. Usually 2 to 8 capybara cubs are born. The capybara cub is born sighted, covered with hair and with erupting teeth. A newborn capybara cub weighs approximately 1.5 kg. The babies are cared for by all the females in the group. Soon the capybara cub is following its mother and can eat grass. However, capybara cubs feed on their mother's milk for up to 3-4 months.

Capybaras become capable of reproduction by about the age of 1.5 years. By this period, they reach a mass of 30-40 kg. In nature, the capybara lives about 10 years, in captivity about 12 years.