Capybara

The capybara is the largest rodent on earth. They are semi-aquatic mammals found throughout much of Northern and Central South America. They are closely related to guinea pigs and more distantly to chinchillas and agouti.

They are strong swimmers and their bodies are adapted for life in water and land. Their toes are partially webbed for paddling around. They have slightly longer hind legs than their forelegs; they have three toes on their rear feet and four toes on their front feet.

The word ‘capybara’ means ‘one who eats slender leaves’ in the Tupi language, which is spoken in Brazil.