User:Jwa1027/Lesser capybara
 | This is the sandbox page where you will draft your initial Wikipedia contribution.
If you're starting a new article, you can develop it here until it's ready to go live. If you're working on improvements to an existing article, copy only one section at a time of the article to this sandbox to work on, and be sure to use an edit summary linking to the article you copied from. Do not copy over the entire article. You can find additional instructions here. Remember to save your work regularly using the "Publish page" button. (It just means 'save'; it will still be in the sandbox.) You can add bold formatting to your additions to differentiate them from existing content. |
Article Draft
[edit]Lesser Capybara
[edit]The Lesser Capybara (Hydrochoerus isthmius)[1] is a large semi-aquatic rodent found in South America that has vast similarities, yet subtle differences with the common Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), the largest species of rodent in the world[2].
| Kingdom | Phylum | Subphylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classification | Animalia | Chordata | Vertebrata | Mammalia | Rodentia | Caviidae | Hydrochoerus | isthmius |
Location
The Lesser Capybara mainly inhabits areas close to water such as marshes, ponds, and lagoon habitats as these places offer water, which is essential for these capybaras to fulfil their niches' of maintain body temperature homeostasis, provide suitable food, hide from predators, and mate. They were first observed in Pacific river valleys in Panama as early as 1912 as a subspecies of the common capybara. However after thorough studies on the anatomy and genealogy of them, the lesser capybara was classified as it's own species some time in the 1980's[3]. Currently, this species has expanded it's range to parts of Eastern Panama and Western Columbia and Venezuela, just west of the Andes Mountains. The Lesser Capybara constitutes the northernmost population of any capybara species[2].
Diet
[edit]The lesser capybaras are herbivores that mainly graze on grasses and other aquatic plants. However, during dry seasons when their main source of food is depleted, the lesser capybaras will tend to feed on reeds, grains, melons, and squash. On average, an adult will eat 6-8lbs of this food per day[4]. Although not a main part of their diet, lesser capybaras will also eventually ingest their own poop to gain bacteria that benefits them in breaking down thick fibers eaten[4].
Physical Description
[edit]Just like other capybaras, the lesser subspecies is characterized by short, brown-hair, with blunt snouts, four short legs (front legs are smaller than hind), partially webbed feet, small eyes and ears situated high on their head, and a very tiny tail[5]. Compared to other Capybara's, the lesser subspecies are generally smaller in size, with adults growing up to 3ft in length, weighing up to 62lbs, and having a darker brown coat[3].
Adaptations
[edit]As animals that are considered prey for many animals, the species is very wary of predators and likes to travel in groups of about 20 cavies[6]. As a result, the capybaras have adapted to be excellent swimmers and dive regularly in water to avoid predators such as jaguars and anacondas[5]. Having eyes and ears placed high on their heads, the capybaras can see these predators while in the waters[7]. Furthermore, being immersed in water for long periods of time helps the capybaras regulate their body temperature by helping them cool off[7].
Mating
[edit]The lesser capybara breeds year-round, only in water[7]. Lesser Capybara females when in estrus, will whistle through their nose to attract males. females having a gestation period of roughly 108 days, and giving birth to litters of about 3-4 baby pups[3].
References
[edit]- ^ "Lesser Capybara (Hydrochoerus isthmius) | Idaho Fish and Game". idfg.idaho.gov. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ a b canopytower (2021-03-12). "Lesser Capybara | The Canopy Family". Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ a b c "Lesser Capybara". Animalia. 10/21/24. Retrieved 10/21/24.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|access-date=and|date=(help) - ^ a b Schmidt, Amanda (2023-08-14). "Capybara Fact Sheet | Blog | Nature | PBS". Nature. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ a b "Capybara | Description, Behavior, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 2024-09-28. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ study.com https://study.com/academy/lesson/capybara-life-cycle-mating-reproduction.html#:~:text=South%20American%20countries-,Capybara%20Reproduction,the%20females%20of%20the%20herd. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ a b c Jirik, Kate. "LibGuides: Capybaras (Hydrochoerus spp.) Fact Sheet: Physical Characteristics". ielc.libguides.com. Retrieved 2024-11-10.