Here’s yet another humorous capybara site, complete with the usual dose of misinformation. For the full experience, make sure to check the link provided at the end, where you can compare the capybara’s size to other rodents, like chipmunks. While I doubt their graphical comparison achieves the intended effect, it’s undeniably hilarious.
I captured the “photos” to make this resemble a coloring page, which seems fitting for this type of article. Firstly, let’s all agree that calling them “pig-shaped” is quite offensive.
People unfamiliar with capybaras often can’t believe they lack a tail.
Quoted from the article:
Capybaras stand 20”-24” (51-61 cm), measure 42”-53” (107-135 cm) in body length, and weigh between 77-146 lb (35-66 kg). Their typical lifespan ranges from 7-10 years in the wild and extends to 10-15 years in captivity.
Starting with measurements, Melanie’s thorough documentation of Caplin reveals optimism about body length in the article, but perhaps conservatism about height. Caplin, being average-sized, highlights the more comprehensive nature of Melanie’s measurements.
This is how you color a capybara! Why limit yourself to brown?
A scientific study on wild capybara weights shows mature individuals ranging from 84 to 136 pounds (38 to 62 kgs), while another study indicates a weight of 48.9 kgs (108 pounds). Hibby reached 136 pounds, fitting the taller yet slimmer profile of a capybara. Their weights, as such, are quite accurate albeit slightly exaggerated at times.
As a rodent, one would think it has to have a tail, right?
The life-span debate has its own controversies. The most thorough study* I found states capybaras live three to four years in the wild, with half perishing in their first year. Occasionally, a herd may include five-year-olds, and very rarely a six-year-old. Seven is exceedingly rare, with no documented eight-year-olds. Zoos, however, expect ten to twelve years in captivity, and breeders have had individuals reach up to eighteen years. Longevity depends greatly on the source.
*Apologies, it’s not available online. I possess the book.
Capybaras are often drawn with a pig-like nose, even when they get the “tail” correct.
In essence, how large are capybaras? Hibby was immense!
Big as a boxcar!
It’s about right—at crotch-sniffing height, much like a large dog. I stopped wearing skirts as Hibby kept putting his head underneath.
With nothing more to add about capybaras, the article concludes with some generic rodent information, including pest control tips.
Don’t forget to follow the link (and scroll to the bottom) to experiment with their amusing rodent size comparison generator. Prepare for laughter!
