Capybara
Hydrochoerus hydrochaerisThis is the world's largest rodent. It is an excellent swimmer, with eyes, nostrils and ears set in alignment across
the top of the head. This allows the animal to surface revealing the minimum of its body to possible predators.
The feet are partially webbed with hoof-like claw
Capybara live in mixed groups including male-female pairs. The young are precocious.
Capybara are herbivorous, grazing on both land and water vegetation.
Brazilian Tapir
Tapirus terrestrisOne of the largest of three species to be found in South America,
this one has the widest distribution. Its closest relatives are the rhinoceros
and the horse.
It occurs widely in northern and central America in rainforest and
occasionally in open grassland, but always associated with water nearby.
The flexible, trunk like snout is used for uprooting aquatic food plants.
It can remain submerged to stay cool or to avoid predators, using its 'trunk' as
a snorkel for breathing.
