Hydrochoerideae is a taxonomic subfamily in the family Caviidae, which is a family of rodents. This subfamily specifically consists of a single extant genus, Hydrochoerus, and is commonly known as the capybara family.
The Hydrochoerideae subfamily is characterized by large, semi-aquatic rodents with a robust body structure. The capybara is the largest living rodent, weighing up to 150 pounds and measuring approximately three to four feet in length. They have short limbs, small ears, and a blunt snout, giving them a somewhat pig-like appearance.
Capybaras are native to South America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including riverbanks, swamps, and marshes. They are highly adapted to aquatic environments, with webbed hind feet that aid in swimming and partially webbed front feet for enhanced digging and gripping.
The diet of the capybara mainly consists of grasses and aquatic plants, which they feed on during the evening hours. These rodents are social animals and typically live in groups called herds, which can consist of 10 to 40 individuals. They communicate through various vocalizations, scent marking, and social grooming.
Due to their relatively docile nature, capybaras are sometimes kept as exotic pets. In certain regions of South America, they are also hunted for their meat and skin. Conservation efforts are in place to protect the capybara population, as they are considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
