- The capybara is the largest rodent in the world and a South American ecological symbol.
- Every July 10th, Appreciation Day is celebrated in many Latin American countries.
- Its social life, peaceful behavior and adaptation to water make it a fascinating species.
- The conservation of their habitat and their cultural value are key pillars of their celebration.
the capybara It has earned international recognition as one of South America's most unique animals. This giant rodent, known for its peaceful behavior and affinity for water, is the focus of celebrations, memes, and conservation debates across the continent. In countries like Peru, Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela, every July 10th is dedicated to a special day. make visible its ecological and social importance.
The event, although not officially recognized by international organizations, seeks to disseminate Information on the habits, habitat, and threats of the capybara, in addition to promoting harmonious coexistence with this mammal. Increase activity on social networks and mobilize both environmental associations and individual users, who share data and photographs to pay tribute to this emblematic rodent.
Who is the capybara? Origin and identity
El hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, or capybara, is the largest rodent on the planetReaching lengths of up to 1,3 meters and weighing up to 60 kg, it is perfectly adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Its webbed feet and elevated eyes and nose allow it to swim, float, and remain submerged to protect itself from predators.
There are two main varieties: the greater capybara, which is more widespread, and a smaller version found in some regions of north-central South America. All of them inhabit wetlands, rivers, estuaries, and flooded savannas from Panama to Argentina, including the great plains of Venezuela and the Amazon basin in Brazil.
This rodent has left its mark on the toponymy and culture of many countries. In Argentina and Uruguay are called capybaras, a Brazil is capybaraWhereas in Venezuela and Colombia are called chigüire or chigüiroIn Peru, it appears as ronsoco, and in Paraguay and Panama, it can respond to the friendly "poncho." The term "capybara" comes from Guaraní, meaning "grass eater" or "lord of the grassland." Its scientific name comes from Greek and literally means "water pig," alluding to its robust build and dependence on aquatic environments.
Social behavior and curiosities of the capybara
One of the most striking characteristics of the capybara is its strong group life. It is common to see them in flocks of 10 to 20 individuals, although in periods of abundance they can form groups of up to 100 individuals. Their daily life is always spent near water: they splash, rest and protect themselves together, strengthening bonds through varied vocalizations such as whistles, squeals, growls and small barks to warn or maintain cohesion between members.
The capybara is herbivore, feeding mainly on grass and aquatic plants. This habit helps regulate wetland vegetation and disperse seeds for the regeneration of local flora. A lesser-known curiosity is their behavior coprophagia: consumes part of its excrement to make the most of the available nutrients, something shared with other large herbivores.
Their generally calm temperament has favored their integration into some zoos and conservation centers, where they often coexist with other species in mixed enclosures. When interacting with humans, their docile behavior has even led them to be raised as pets in some places, although they require suitable habitats and should not be considered domestic animals under conventional standards.
Capybara Day: Origin and Activities in South America
The date of July 10 was promoted by environmental associations and enthusiasts which sought to raise awareness of the capybara and the tensions facing its natural environment. Since 2025, the event has gained traction in networks, environmental education centers, and zoos across Latin America, where events are held. talks, exhibitions, workshops and awareness campaigns about the species. Discover activities related to biodiversity conservation.
In many rural South American cultures, the capybara is both a source of stories and a traditional resource, as its meat and skin are consumed in some regions. However, pressure from illegal hunting, agricultural expansion, and pollution have endangered numerous populations, especially in ecosystems fragmented by human activity.
The global celebration of the capybara not only exalts its media figure with memes and viral photographs, but also calls for action to protect wetlands and promote responsible tourism that values local fauna and contributes resources to conservation.
Cultural and ecological importance of the capybara
In addition to its size and social behavior, the capybara holds a prominent place in the popular culture and traditions of numerous South American countries. Its various names reflect the linguistic diversity and the bonds that communities have forged with the animal. Your presence on digital platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Reddit has renewed its image and turned it into a symbol of calm, coexistence and connection with nature.
Appreciation Day educational campaigns and activities highlight its key role in ecological balance, as they limit the spread of certain plant species and help maintain biodiversity in wetlands and riparian forests. Even so, the capybara requires protected environments, free from pollution, and where human interaction is always respectful.
The capybara has transcended the boundaries of science and ecology to become a symbol of sustainability, cultural connection, and biodiversity. Its popularity on networks and annual festivities has served for raise awareness about nature protection, bringing people closer to the values of coexistence and respect for local wildlife. Observing their curious features helps us better understand their role in the ecosystem and strengthens our commitment to conserving the natural spaces they share with many other species.
