Capybaras are the world's largest rodent. Their thickset, heavy bodies are covered in long, bristle like hairs which are reddish or yellow brown in colour. Their toes have hoof like nails and are connected by short web membranes. Males have a prominent scent gland on the bridge of their nose.

Four young capaybaras are now out and about at the park. The young are fully developed at birth and can eat grass within a week. After three or four days the mother and young go back to the group and the mothers then collectively share the care of the babies.

Young capybara born in the wild are in danger of being eaten by vultures and foxes, and at the first sign of these predators the whole group rushes into the water with the young protected in the centre. Capybara are excellent swimmers and divers. They can stay underwater for several minutes or float with just their nostrils, eyes and ears showing above the surface of the water.

Capybara do not always breed well in captivity but a number of young have been born at Marwell.They are fed on fruit and vegetables and special pellets.

Find out more in our animal encyclopaedia

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1 May 2009