Why are Capybaras Everywhere?

Capybaras are everywhere. You’ve likely seen them on your TikTok feed—those laid-back, semi-aquatic rodents lounging in hot springs or casually chilling with other animals. But it’s not just online where they’re making waves. In real life, capybaras are among the most common animals in their native continent of South America, widespread over more than ten countries across the continent.¹ So, what’s behind their success? How do these rodents thrive in so many different environments and even live comfortably alongside humans? Let’s dive into the world of capybaras to uncover the secret to their success.

Capybaras (of the genus Hydrochoerus) are the world’s largest rodents (yes, the same family as guinea pigs). The largest species, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, can grow up to 1.3 metres (4.3 feet) long and weigh up to 79 kilograms (174 pounds). A smaller species, the lesser capybara (H. isthmius), is about 1 metre (3 feet) in length and weighs around 28 kilograms (62 pounds). Despite their size, capybaras are surprisingly gentle creatures with short-haired brown fur, blunt snouts, small ears, and almost no tail.²

While their name means “grass eater” in the indigenous Tupi language, capybaras aren’t picky eaters.³ Although traditionally grazers, capybaras have shown remarkable dietary flexibility. A study published in the Journal of Zoology revealed that capybaras can thrive on both grass and forest plants, depending on what’s available in the immediate environment. For example, in the farm fields of Brazil, capybaras can be seen grazing on crops like corn and sugarcane.⁴ These calorie-rich crops, which are similar to the grasses capybaras naturally eat, have enabled them to adapt to human-dominated landscapes successfully.⁵ Researchers studying capybara diets used carbon isotope analysis (a method used to identify the types of plants or foods an organism consumed, by measuring different forms of carbon in their tissues), to reveal that these animals can seamlessly switch between grazing on grass and eating other plant types, including trees, vines, and even cacti.⁶

Capybaras’ adaptability goes beyond diet. Their independent nature has allowed them to thrive in diverse environments, including the dense urban areas of Brazil and Argentina.⁷ They’ve made themselves right at home in cities, highways, and agricultural fields. In Brazil, it’s common to see them on roadsides and grassy areas. They also frequently graze on the grassy campuses of universities in bustling São Paulo.⁸

A key to Capybaras’ success and ability to thrive in urban environments is partly due to their social behavior. In the wild, they live in large groups near rivers and wetlands across South America. Their strong swimming skills and semi-aquatic lifestyle help them evade predators like jaguars and anacondas, often diving underwater to escape.

However, capybaras face some challenges when it comes to thriving alongside humans. For starters, their presence in agricultural fields is frowned upon, as they feast on crops and destroy human food sources. Moreover, as capybaras become comfortable living around increased infrastructure, they frequent busy cities, resulting in a high mortality rate in terms of capybara-vehicle accidents. Capybaras also carry ticks that transmit Brazilian spotted fever, a disease harmful to humans. While capybaras attempt to thrive amidst urbanization, decreasing human-capybara interactions could help both species coexist more safely.⁹

Capybaras’ remarkable ability to adapt—whether adjusting their diet or thriving in environments from bustling cities to remote wetlands—has allowed them to flourish in a world of rapid change. Their story is a powerful testament to the resilience needed to navigate environmental challenges. But beyond their survival, capybaras have charmed the digital age, captivating social media with their calm, “chill” demeanor and irresistible cuteness. Their adaptability has not only secured their place in nature but also made them internet icons, celebrated for embodying a carefree, easygoing approach to life.

1. Britannica. 2023. “Capybara | Description, Behavior, & Facts | Britannica.” Www.britannica.com. March 27, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/animal/capybara-genus.

2. Britannica, “Capybara”.

3. Dzombak, Rebecca. 2023. “Capybaras Thrive, Even near Humans, Because They’re Not Picky Eaters.” Science News. March 31, 2023. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/capybaras-thrive-humans-eat.

4. Magioli, Marcelo, Hermes Ribeiro Luz, Francisco Borges Costa, Hector R Benatti, Ubiratan Piovezan, Fernanda B Passos, Beatriz Lopes, Marcelo Zacharias Moreira, Marcelo Bahia Labruna, and Katia Maria. 2023. “Plasticity in Resource Use Explains the Persistence of the Largest Living Rodent in Anthropized Environments.” Journal of Zoology 320 (2): 108–19. https://doi.org/10.1111/jzo.13057.

5. Dzombak, “Picky Eaters”.

6. Dzombak, “Picky Eaters”.

7. Dzombak, “Picky Eaters”.

8. Dzombak, “Picky Eaters”.

9. Dzombak, “Picky Eaters”.