The capybara from South America is the world's largest rodent. Also known as water hogs, this massive rodent can weigh as much as 175 lb or nearly 80 kg. As their name suggests, they can be found near water sources such as rivers, lakes and swamps and they are excellent swimmers. Their eyes and ears are positioned high on their heads so they can remain aware of their surroundings even in the water. When threatened or frightened they can completely submerge themselves for several minutes. During dry spells capybaras congregate in groups of 40-50 animals around a single water hole but during the rainy season they tend to favor smaller groups consisting of a male, several females and their young. Young males stay together in "bachelor" groups until they are old enough to seek out their own mates.

During the day, Capybaras travel great distances in search of food but tend to return to the same location each night. In several countries in South America the capybaras have become endangered because ranchers kill them off to cut down on the competition for grass for their cattle and sheep.

Other large rodents include the North American beaver coming in at second, the Hoary Marmot at third largest. Other huge members of the family include the hutia, the porcupine and the pouched rat. They are all dwarfed by the Josephoartigasia monesi. Weighing in at just over a ton, they roamed South America between 2-4 million years ago, covering much of the same range as today's capybara.

More Info: capybarafacts.com