Capybara

The capybara, the world's largest rodent, is a semi-aquatic marvel native to South America. Weighing up to 65 kilograms (143 pounds), these gentle giants thrive in wetlands, grasslands, and riversides. They are highly social animals, often found in groups of 10 to 20, though larger groups can form during the dry season.

Capybaras have webbed feet, making them excellent swimmers. They can stay submerged for several minutes to evade predators like jaguars, anacondas, and caimans. As herbivores, they graze on grasses and aquatic plants. Their laid-back nature makes them surprisingly tolerant of other animals, and they are often seen with birds perched on their backs. While capybaras are not endangered, habitat destruction poses a threat to their populations.