CAPYBARA

Did you know? Nearly three in four of our lodge visitors see this world-record shattering jungle rodent!

Coasting along the Tambopata River on the way to our lodges, you travel through one of the most remote, biodiverse places on earth: the Amazon rainforest at its finest. As the boat moves along, the guides’ keen eyes watch the shore and treetops in search of jungle wildlife. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the capybara, the largest rodent in the world!

Among the variety of riverbank wildlife, the Capybara is one of the most frequent sightings among our guests. This large rodent (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) hangs out at the edges of rivers and lakes in the Tambopata region.

Capybara Fun Facts

• The largest rodent in the world: If you thought that Capybaras looked a bit like a squirrel or muskrat, this is no coincidence. These large animals are actually the biggest species of rodents in the world. In fact, these rather pig-like rodents can weigh up to 200 pounds!


• Aquatic: You’ll never find a Capybara far from water. Their webbed feet have helped adapt these creatures to life in rivers, marshes, and lakes. The quirky rodents even sleep in the water, with their noses held just above the surface!


• An important source of food for predators: Anacondas and jaguars love to eat plump, juicy Capybaras for dinner. The rodents must be tasty since other animals like Black Caimans and Ocelots also prey upon them.


• Grazers: When they avoid getting eaten themselves, hungry Capybaras spend most of their time munching on grasses and other riverside vegetation.