Nature ReachA large rodent at home beside water
Meet the capybara on the riverbank
Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris
A capybara grazes on the bank, then steps into the water. Food on land and a place to swim are both important parts of its home.
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Grassy banks and South American wetlands
This page introduces Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, the greater capybara found east of the Andes, including the Amazon basin. It lives near rivers, marshes and other wetlands with vegetation to eat and water close by.
Grazing on land, cooling in water
Capybaras live beside rivers, marshes and wetlands. They graze on land, then enter the water to swim and cool down.
Three things to notice
- The capybara is the world’s largest living rodent.
- Capybaras usually live in groups and may retreat into water when danger approaches.
- Their eyes, ears and nostrils sit high on the head, so these can remain above water while most of the body is submerged.
Water for shelter, predators nearby
Using rivers and streams
Water gives capybaras a place to swim, cool down and hide from danger. Suitable waterways are an essential part of their habitat.
Prey for jaguars
Jaguars hunt capybaras in South America. This connects a large grazing rodent to one of the rainforest’s major predators.
Find the capybara in Nature Reach
Open the free rainforest map and find the capybara beside the stream. Listen together and discover why water is such an important part of its home.
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Reviewed by Nature Reach on 17/10/2026.