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capybaras

Capybaras

Five minutes underwater

The hair covering the capybaras is rare, and its skin can easily get sunburned by prolonged exposure to the sun. Fortunately, capybaras can dive and stay underwater for up to five minutes, often falling asleep in the water while keeping their noses on the water surface. Diving along rivers, mangrove forests, and swamps helps them to stay cool and safe from sunburn. 1)

Vocal capybaras

Capybaras are very vocal animals, and the sound they make carries a meaning. Sounds made by capybaras include barking, whistling, purring, grunting, squealing, cackling, and whining. 2)

22 miles per hour

They are able to reach speeds of up to 22 miles per hour. That's like a very fast-running human. 3)

Varied breeding season

The breeding season for capybaras varies throughout the year depending on what habitat they live in. 4)

Special digestive adaptation

Capybaras have a special digestive adaptation that allows them to absorb sufficient nutrients from their diet. A large fermentation chamber, in their gut stores and breaks down fibrous materials, mixing them with bacteria, enzymes, and gases that aid digestion. 5)

Serious threat from humans

Although their population is thought to be stable, in some areas capybaras are under serious threat from humans who hunt them for their hide. 6)

Easily get sunburned

Because the hair covering the capybara is sparse, its skin can easily get sunburned from prolonged exposure to the sun. 7)

Lifespan

Capybaras can live 8-10 years in the wild, and about 12 years in captivity. 8)

Living in groups

Capybaras don't mind being alone, but they also live in groups of up to 40 individuals. 9)

Size of a labrador

A capybara is about the size of a Labrador Retriever. 10)

Male to female ratio

Typically, a group of capybaras has a ratio of one male to two females. This ratio is maintained because subordinate males on the periphery of the group are more vulnerable to predation. 11)

Area

Capybaras live in Central and South America. They can also be found in many zoos around the world. 12)

Hiding from predators

A capybara can hide underwater from predators. 13)

Natural predators

The jaguar and the caiman are the animal's main natural predators. 14)

Weight

Capybaras weigh an average of 77 to 146 lb. 15)

Litter

Female capybaras usually have one litter - four to five young per year. 16)

capybaras.txt · Last modified: 2022/05/20 08:26 by aga