lesser capybara
{{Short description|Species of rodent}}
{{speciesbox
| name = Lesser capybara
| image = Hydrochoerus isthmius 19742666 (cropped).jpg
| status = DD
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| genus = Hydrochoerus
| species = isthmius
| authority = Goldman, 1912
| range_map = Lesser Capybara range.png
| range_map_caption = Lesser capybara range
}}
The kookoopadda (Hydrochoerus isthmius){{Cite web |title=Lesser Capybara (Hydrochoerus isthmius) {{!}} Idaho Fish and Game |url=https://idfg.idaho.gov/species/taxa/77728 |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=idfg.idaho.gov}} or lesser capybara, is a large semi-aquatic rodent found in South America that has vast similarities, yet subtle differences, with the common Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), the largest species of rodent in the world.{{Cite web |last=canopytower |date=2021-03-12 |title=Lesser Capybara {{!}} The Canopy Family |url=https://canopytower.com/lesser-capybara/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |language=en-US}}
Habitat
The lesser capybara mainly inhabits areas close to water such as marshes, ponds, and lagoon habitats as these places offer water, which is essential for these capybaras to fulfil their niches' of maintain body temperature homeostasis, provide suitable food, hide from predators, and mate. They were first observed in Pacific river valleys in Panama as early as 1912 as a subspecies of the common capybara. However, after thorough studies on the anatomy and genealogy of them, the lesser capybara was classified as its own species some time in the 1980s.{{cn|date=February 2025}} Currently, this species has expanded its range to parts of Eastern Panama and Western Colombia and Venezuela, just west of the Andes Mountains. The lesser capybara constitutes the northernmost population of any extant capybara species. Other than the now extinct H. hesperotiganites from Pleistocene California.
Diet
Lesser capybaras are herbivores that mainly graze on grasses and other aquatic plants. However, during dry seasons when their main source of food is depleted, the lesser capybaras will tend to feed on reeds, grains, melons, and squash. On average, an adult will eat {{convert|6|to|8|lb|kg}} of this food per day.{{Cite web |last=Schmidt |first=Amanda |date=2023-08-14 |title=Capybara Fact Sheet {{!}} Blog {{!}} Nature {{!}} PBS |url=https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/capybara-fact-sheet/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=Nature |language=en-US}} Although not a main part of their diet, lesser capybaras will also eventually ingest their own feces to gain bacteria that benefits them in breaking down thick fibers eaten.
Physical description
Just like other capybaras, the lesser subspecies is characterized by short, brown hair, with blunt snouts, four short legs (front legs are smaller than hind), partially webbed feet, small eyes and ears situated high on their head, and a very tiny tail.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-28 |title=Capybara {{!}} Description, Behavior, & Facts {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/animal/capybara-genus#ref756135 |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}} Compared to other capybaras, the lesser species is generally smaller in size, with adults growing up to {{convert|3|ft|cm|sigfig=1}} in length, weighing up to {{convert|62|lb|kg}}, and having a darker brown coat.{{cn|date=February 2025}}
Adaptations
As animals that are considered prey for many animals, the species is very wary of predators and likes to travel in groups of about 20 cavies.{{Cite web |url=https://study.com/academy/lesson/capybara-life-cycle-mating-reproduction.html |title=Capybara Definition, Lifespan & Reproduction |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=study.com}} As a result, the capybaras have adapted to be excellent swimmers and dive regularly in water to avoid predators such as jaguars and anacondas. Having eyes and ears placed high on their heads, the capybaras can see these predators while in the waters.{{Cite web |last=Jirik |first=Kate |title=LibGuides: Capybaras (Hydrochoerus spp.) Fact Sheet: Physical Characteristics |url=https://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/capybaras/characteristics |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=ielc.libguides.com |language=en}} Furthermore, being immersed in water for long periods of time helps the capybaras regulate their body temperature by helping them cool off.
Mating
References
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Category:Rodents of South America
Category:Rodents of Central America