The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest rodent in the world. Native to South America, the webbed-footed capybara lives near lakes, ponds, and rivers East of the Andes. It is a highly social species and lives in small herds. The capybara is not a threatened species, though it is hunted for its meat and hide.

While they may be viewed at zoos throughout the world, they are also found in petting zoos and a few people even keep them as pets. The most comprehensive website for capybara information is Capybara Madness. Another interesting site has some information about capybaras in Brazil: Saude Animal.

The Dobster

Dobby is a pet capybara living near Seattle, Washington. He was born in Texas. He eats grass and corn, swims in his swimming pool, and hangs out with a flock of ducks and chickens.

This is an article about the ROUS Foundation at Texas A&M:

Rodents of Unusual Sizes – Capybara

Here are a few links to more specific information about capybaras:

Reproductive performance of capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) in captivity under different management systems in Argentina 30-reproduccion

Cientistas propõem usar capivaras como modelo natural para o estudo do AVC Agência FAPESP – Cientistas propõem usar capivaras como modelo natural para o estudo do AVC

Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Food Preference and Consumption in Captive Capybaras Alvarez & Kravetz -efecto del acido ascorbico en preferencia de comida

Capybara, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris Capybara Fact Sheet

Husbandry Standards For Keeping Capybaras In Captivity capybara_husbandry

Crescimento de machos inteiros e fêmeas de capivara até sobreano em criação semi-intensiva crecimiento machos y hembras

Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris i0076-3519-264-01-0001

Landscape Ecology Of The Capybara In The Chaco Region Of Paraguay JuanCampos2009

Scurvy In Capybaras Bred In Captivity In Argentine scurvy_in_capybaras