Book

02december2009
Source: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2009
Capybaras: A Natural History of the World's Largest Rodent

Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world, but they show little resemblance to their guinea pig relatives. A different name, Water-hog is more appropriate.
They have the size of a small pig and they like to be near water. This handbook contains the most recent information on their anatomy, ecology, behaviour, biology, conservation, management, and taxonomy. Capybaras live throughout the South American tropical wetlands. They have been largely extirpated from their former haunts through agricultural practices and poaching, but they have adapted well to human management and conservation efforts. They are now frequently raised on ranches as valued sources of both meat and leather. The rodents are herbivorous and play an important role in the ecosystems of natural grasslands, wetlands, and gallery forests. There they also form prey for caimans, anacondas, jaguars, and pumas.

The author has had many years of personal experience with capybaras in their South American habitats, including a ten-year study at a Venezuelan ranch. He discusses how the animals interact with predators and other animals, and he also explains their commercial value for humans, both on ranches and for ecotourism. The book is illustrated with many photographs and contains informative tables.


Capybaras: A Natural History of the World's Largest Rodent
Rexford D. Lord
The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2009
ISBN-10: 0801891639
ISBN-13: 978-0801891632