Water pig is a term used to describe an amphibious mammal known as the capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). This large, herbivorous rodent is native to South America and is considered the world's largest living rodent species. Standing around 1 to 1.5 feet tall at the shoulder and weighing between 75 and 150 pounds, the capybara resembles a gigantic guinea pig or a water-loving pig, hence its nickname.
The water pig is adapted for an aquatic lifestyle, with short, webbed feet and a dense, waterproof coat. It is a highly social animal, living in large groups near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and marshes, where it feels most at home. Water pigs are excellent swimmers and divers, using their webbed feet and muscular build to navigate effortlessly through the water, continuing their daily activities like foraging and escaping from predators.
These semi-aquatic creatures have a herbivorous diet, primarily consisting of grasses and aquatic plants. Their ability to graze efficiently both on land and in water allows them to thrive in various environments. Although water pigs are not endangered, they are popularly hunted for their meat and skin in some regions of South America.
Overall, the term "water pig" refers to the capybara, a large, aquatic rodent found in South America, recognized for its pig-like appearance, love for water, and social behavior.
