It clearly looks like a big "rat", so why is Capybara so popular?

Hidden in the treasure house of biodiversity on Earth is a gentle and huge "giant" in the rodent world - the capybara, which is affectionately called "capybara" by humans. As the largest rodent in the world, they have become an indispensable existence in nature with their unique social habits, perfect adaptation to the aquatic environment, and their seemingly clumsy but actually flexible posture. Today, let us step into this magical water and explore the wonderful world of capybaras.

Part 1: Getting to know the capybaras

Capybara, this unique creature, has a round body and gentle eyes. "The front legs of capybaras are slightly shorter than their hind legs, and there are webbed feet between their toes. This body structure allows them to swim freely in the water. Not only are they huge in size, but they also have waterproof hair, which allows them to move freely in the water and enjoy the fun of the water world. Capybaras have rough and thin fur, mainly reddish brown, and a warm yellow-brown belly. This protective color makes them more hidden in the natural environment. As a social animal, capybaras have a rich and colorful social life. They communicate with each other through soft calls and body language, showing a rare harmony and tacit understanding.

Part II: Differences between Capybaras and other rodents

Compared with other rodents, capybaras have unique charms in many aspects. "The capybara's tooth structure is particularly special, with two pairs of large incisors in the front, premolars in the middle, and three pairs of large molars in the back. Together with the well-developed masseter muscles, they can easily gnaw on various plants." In terms of size, they are far larger than their peers, becoming the giants among rodents. In terms of living habits, capybaras prefer aquatic environments. They can not only swim and dive in the water, but also forage underwater, which is a rare ability among rodents.

Part III: Three major characteristics of capybaras

The king of sociality : Capybaras are known for their excellent social skills. They usually live in large families consisting of dozens or even hundreds of individuals, with close relationships, working together to defend against predators and share food. This high level of sociality and cooperative spirit is extremely rare in nature.

Swimming Masters : Capybaras have excellent swimming and diving abilities. They can move freely in the water, looking for delicious aquatic plants as food. In addition, capybaras can hold their breath underwater for a long time, showing amazing adaptability.

Guardian of ecological balance : Capybaras play an important role in the ecosystem. By nibbling on water plants, they help control the growth of aquatic plants and maintain ecological balance.

Part 4: Why Capybaras are so popular

As we learn more about this amazing creature, capybara, their charm is gradually revealed to the world, winning the love and attention of countless people around the world. So, what makes capybara so popular?

First of all, we have to mention their irresistibly cute appearance. Whether it is their round bodies or their big eyes full of curiosity and innocence, people can't help but want to get close to them and give them the most gentle care. This natural affinity has made capybaras quickly become the new darling of the pet world, and has also attracted the attention of countless photography enthusiasts and animal protectors.

In addition to their appearance, the capybara's personality is one of the important reasons for their popularity. They are gentle and friendly, almost non-aggressive, and can live in harmony with humans and other animals. This friendly personality not only makes capybaras popular in family groups, but also makes them win many friends in the human world. People feel unprecedented relaxation and pleasure when interacting with capybaras, as if all troubles disappear with their cuteness.

Finally, with the popularity of social media and the Internet, the cuteness and interesting stories of capybaras have been widely disseminated, further increasing their popularity. More and more people have learned about and fallen in love with these cute animals through pictures and videos, and they have become "stars" and "Internet celebrities" on the Internet. This positive atmosphere of public opinion and the widespread dissemination effect have undoubtedly contributed to the popularity of capybaras.

Part 5: Ending

After exploring the mysterious and fascinating capybara, we can't help but be impressed by its gentleness, wisdom and ecological value. As the social king and guardian of ecological balance in nature, capybara has not only won the love of countless people with its unique charm, but also played an indispensable role in maintaining the ecological balance of the earth.

With the continuous expansion of human activities, the protection of the natural environment is particularly important. Let us work together to create a harmonious and symbiotic home for capybaras and more rare animals. Because the existence of every life is the most precious gift given to us by Mother Earth.

On this planet full of miracles, may we all become guardians, protecting the green mountains and clear waters, and protecting the magical creatures that share this world with us. Let us spread love through our actions, let love spread like ripples, and together paint a beautiful picture of harmonious coexistence between man and nature.

Author: Animal Diary

Reviewer: Huang Chengming, researcher at the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Produced by: China Association for Science and Technology Department of Science Popularization

Producer: China Science and Technology Press Co., Ltd., Beijing Zhongke Xinghe Culture Media Co., Ltd.