Animal Science Reading Lesson · Grades 3–6

Capybaras

A reading lesson on capybaras, the largest living rodents in the world. Students learn about their size, semi-aquatic habitat in South America, herbivore diet, social groups, and the many sounds they use to communicate.

Reading Passage

Capybaras

Capybaras are the largest living rodents in the world. They look like giant guinea pigs and can weigh up to 140 pounds. (For comparison, an adult guinea pig weighs between 5 and 10 pounds.) Adult capybaras are more than four feet long. On average, females are slightly larger than males. They have slightly webbed feet, do not have tails, and are usually reddish-brown in color.

Capybaras are semi-aquatic mammals — they spend a lot of time in or near water. They are native to South America and live in thick forests near lakes, rivers, ponds, and swamps. They live in social groups of 10 to 30 or more animals. Each group is led by a dominant male with a large scent gland on his nose, which he uses to mark the group’s territory.

A capybara’s teeth never stop growing. Like other rodents, capybaras constantly chew on grass and plants, which helps trim their teeth. They are herbivores and eat plants, tree bark, grass, and fruit. They chew their food by grinding it back and forth instead of chewing from side to side.

Capybaras make several sounds to communicate. They whistle, grunt, squeal, click, and purr — and when they are alarmed, they bark to warn each other of danger. When the weather is hot, they stay in the water to keep cool. They are great swimmers and can stay underwater for up to five minutes. Sometimes they sleep in the water with just their noses above the surface.

Capybaras are gentle giants. They will let humans pet them and feed them by hand, and are often seen in zoos. They are a bit large to be kept as house pets!

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