Why Capybaras Aren’t Eaten by Caimans

Today the largest rodent alive, the capybara is regularly seen lounging near caimans. While attacks targeting adults remain infrequent, that does not mean they face no risk.

Often Peaceful Coexistence

Measuring up to about 1.3 meters long and weighing over 70 kilograms, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris lives in the wetlands and marshy regions of a large part of South America, where it inevitably comes into contact with caimans, close cousins of crocodiles.

While many photographs suggest that the giant rodent coexists peacefully with these alligatorids, the reality is noticeably more nuanced. As Elizabeth Congdon, of Bethune-Cookman University, notes, the young capybaras are regularly targeted by reptiles, and adults can also appear on the menu when easy prey, such as fish, are scarce.

H. hydrochaeris can, however, defend itself with its oversized, sharp incisors. “Compte tenu de leur taille, les crocodiliens préfèrent probablement éviter de s’en prendre à lui, et risquer de graves blessures,” says Congdon.

A Well-Known Predator

In certain circumstances, jaguars, anacondas, ocelots and harpy eagles (great raptors that mainly target juveniles) can also prey on capybaras, but the main threat hanging over them remains humans.

Although wild populations are protected in several countries, many South American communities continue to hunt it. To reduce these pressures, in recent years, farming of this giant rodent has been expanding.

Often portrayed as a sociable and easygoing creature, tolerating, among other things, turtles and birds that perch on its back, H. hydrochaeris is far from as docile as some viral videos suggest. When threatened, it does not hesitate to defend itself, and it seems that humans and domestic animals are often the targets of its anger.

As a curious fact, in some historical contexts in South America, it was likened to a “fish” by the Church in order to permit its consumption during Lent.