what is capybara

A capybara is a giant cavy rodent native to South America and is the largest living rodent in the world. Capybaras are herbivores, grazing mainly on grasses and aquatic plants, as well as fruit and tree bark. They are very selective feeders and feed on the leaves of one species and disregard other species surrounding it. Capybaras are semi-aquatic and are well adapted for both land and water. They have webbed toes and fast-drying fur, but they can also run at 35 km/h on land. Capybaras are social animals and live in groups of up to 40 individuals. They are found throughout much of northern and central South America, though a small invasive population has been seen in Florida. Capybaras are farmed for meat and skins in South America.