Capybara

Often referred to as the giant guinea pig, the capybara is native to South America and is the world’s largest rodent, sometimes reaching lengths of over one metre. Their scientific name, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, means “water pig”. 

These social animals thrive in small group and inhabit a variety of environments, including grasslands, tropical rainforests, and wetlands across much of the continent.  

Adapted for swimming, capybaras possess webbed feet and have their eyes, ears and nostrils positioned on top of their heads, allowing them to stay alert while in the water. They often submerge themselves to evade predators such as jaguars, anacondas and caimans.