Hydrochoerus

Capybaras are semiaquatic, found in and near lakes, rivers, swamps, and flooded savanna. Their diets are dominated by grasses. Adults weigh up to . The gestation period is 130–150 days, with two to eight (most commonly four) young born to females. == Behavior ==

Capybaras are highly social, living in groups of up to 100 and communicating through a variety of vocalizations. Breeding is polygynous, with males forming harems. == Phylogeny and taxonomy ==

Molecular results have consistently suggested Hydrochoerus is most closely related to Kerodon (the rock cavies), and the two evolved from within the Caviidae. The extinct North American species formerly recognized as Hydrochoerus holmesi is now assigned to Neochoerus. Species Extant Species Fossils • † Hydrochoerus ballesterensis – Pliocene capybara endemic to Argentina • † Hydrochoerus gaylordi – Plio-Pleistocene capybara endemic to the Caribbean island of Grenada • † Hydrochoerus hesperotiganites – Late Pleistocene capybara endemic to North America (San Diego County, California) == Distribution ==

Presently, capybaras live in northern South America and adjacent southern Central America (lesser capybara) and in the tropical to subtropical regions of South America (capybara). The fossil species inhabited Buenos Aires Province in Argentina (H. ballesterensis) and the Caribbean island of Grenada (H. gaylordi). One species, H. hesperotiganites even ranged as far north as California. == References ==