Classification

Class: Mammalia

Order: Rodentia

Family: Hydrochaeridae

Genus: Hydrochoerus

Species: Hydrochaeris


The capybara is the largest living rodent. It is a semi-aquatic mammal of Central and South America. Capybaras are the only members of the family Hydrochoeridae.

They are related to the agouti, chinchillas, and copyhillas. However, they also resemble the cavy and guinea pig of the family Caviidae.

Physical Classification

-The average head to body length of a capybara is 42-53 inches.

-Male capybaras weigh 77-141 pounds while the females weigh 81-146 pounds.

-Their coarse body hair varies in color from reddish-brown to gray with yellow- brown on the belly.

-Their front legs are shorter than their back legs.

-Capybaras have no tails.

-They do, however, have a slight webbing of the toes.

-They have a large, dark, oval scent gland on the top of their nose.