In Search of Capybaras: Exploring Brazil, part 4

In Rio, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is a lagoon known for its capybara sightings. The area is adorned with abundant water, grass, and plenty of habitats within the city.

We circumvented the lagoon (easier said than done) and halted at a park with promising capybara habitat.

Sam discovered some capybara droppings!

We finally spotted some capybaras! But hold on a second…

It’s subtle, yet capybaras can be found everywhere in small forms.

How difficult could it be to manufacture a few of these?

So we opted to see some actual capybaras and planned to return at night.

Excitedly, many people pointed us towards Campo de Santana, where capybaras were supposedly seen! However, they turned out to be agoutis. These rabbit-sized rodents were seen only in that location, though they are more common further north.

Agoutis are also quite adorable. Only their back half gets fluffier, giving them a very comical appearance.

You’re here for the capybaras, right? Well, here they are!

You caught me! This area is right outside the zoo, known as Fauna Footbridge. It is an open area where the animals are below while you walk above. Although it’s spacious, it could benefit from more vegetation. It is partially open and still under development, much like many projects here.

The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) stands as the largest rodent, growing up to a meter in length [39”]. It lacks a tail and has small ears. This herbivorous animal thrives by the riverside, being adept at swimming and diving. Its diet consists of various vegetables. Each gestation lasts 120 days, producing cubs that weigh around 1.4 kg [3 pounds] at birth. They can give birth to as many as seven pups. Brazil is home to other rodents, including the Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina), which is 50 cm [20”] long with a brown to reddish-brown hue. Another is the Brazilian Squirrel (Sciureus aestuans), distinguished by its long, furry tail, which it uses to cling to branches with its extended nails. The Hedgehog (Sphygurus villosus) measures 60 cm [24”] in length and features yellowish-brown fur that conceals its defensive spines. These creatures are often mistaken for a different rodent family, such as the European “porcupine,” which is significantly larger.

[Something like that…]

They shared their space with a few tapirs, some larger hoofed animals, turtles, and ostriches, all coexisting harmoniously.

Compared to Hibbye, these capybaras have denser hair. Their coarse fur provides sun protection but not warmth.

Hoping for more capybaras? Just take another look at these ones and imagine they’re new.

Remember the bar by the lagoon that we visited?

Though live capybaras were absent, Capycoppy contentedly enjoyed this one.

While this concludes our tale, I’m already plotting a return trip. Upon my return to Rio and a prolonged stay at this bar, I’m confident I’ll spot some live capybaras.