Capybara

Sometimes referred to as the giant guinea pig, the Capybara comes from South America and is the world’s largest rodent species, and can grow to over 1 metre in length.

Capybaras are highly social animals and can be found living in small herds on grassland, in tropical rainforest, as well as in wetlands across most of the continent.

Their bodies have been specially adapted for swimming – with webbed feet and their eyes, ears and nostrils located on top of their heads – and will spend much of their time in the water. They often submerge themselves in water to avoid detection by predators such as jaguars, anacondas and caiman.