Sunday Sketch: Capybara social behavior

The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is native to South America and is the largest living rodent species. They’re known for being very gregarious, often photographed nearby other animal species, and they reside in semi-aquatic habitats. Their social groups have been noted to range from 6-16 adult members, and they have what’s called a “strictly linear” social hierarchy for males, where there is an individual male who is most dominant. This can result in agonistic or aggressive interactions between them.

Reference:

Herrera, E. A., Salas, V., Congdon, E. R., Corriale, M. J., & Tang-Martínez, Z. (2011). Capybara social structure and dispersal patterns: variations on a theme. Journal of Mammalogy92(1), 12-20.

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