Origin: South America

Habitat: Savannahs, dense forests near ponds, rivers and lakes.

Diet: Grass, hay, aquatic plants, vegetables and soft fruit.

Lifespan: 12 years.

Average Size: Height:  50 cm, Length: 130 cm, Weight:  70 kg.

Characteristics:

The Capybara is the largest rodent in the world and are closely related to the guinea pigs.  They have a heavy, barrel shaped body and a short head, with reddish-brown fur on the upper part of its body that turns yellowish brown underneath.  Their muzzles are blunt with nostrils, eyes and ears on top of their heads.