Rodent royalty: A kids’ guide to capybaras

This children’s article, Rodent royalty: A kids’ guide to capybaras, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about these lovable animals, and understand how humans can help protect wildlife. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.

The most laid-back animal alive

Capybaras might just be the most relaxed animals in the world. With their big round bodies, calm faces and love of water, they’ve become internet superstars.

Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world. That’s right, they’re cousins of guinea pigs and rats, but much, much bigger. Adults can grow to be over a metre long and weigh as much as an 8-year-old child!

Where do they live?

Capybaras live in South America, in countries like Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. They love warm places with water, like rivers, lakes and wetlands. In fact, they are semi-aquatic, which means they spend lots of time both on land and in water.

They even have webbed feet to help them swim well. It’s also common to find capybaras sleeping near water so they can quickly dive in if they feel scared.

Why are they so popular?

Capybaras are calm, gentle animals. They don’t usually fight, and they get along with almost every animal you can imagine! You might see videos of capybaras chilling with ducks, monkeys or even cats.

They are social animals that live in groups and enjoy being together. Sometimes herds can have more than 20 members!

Are they in danger?

Capybaras are not endangered yet, but they do face some problems. People sometimes hunt them for meat or leather. Also, their homes are being destroyed by people who want to build farms and other buildings.

If we protect their habitats and treat them with care, we can help capybaras live safe and happy lives.

Capybara fun facts

• They whistle, bark and purr! – Capybaras use lots of different sounds to communicate, including whistles, clicks, grunts, and even barks to warn their group of danger.
• Bird buddies – Birds like to sit on capybaras and pick bugs from their fur. The capybaras don’t mind, it’s like a free cleaning service!
• They eat their own poo – Gross but true! Like rabbits, capybaras eat their droppings to help digest tough grasses better and get more nutrients.
• They can hold their breath for 5 minutes – Capybaras are such good swimmers that they can stay underwater for up to five minutes to hide from predators.
• They’re legal pets in some places – In countries like the U.S, people keep capybaras as pets, though they need lots of space and water!
• Capybaras have built-in sunblock – Their skin gives off a natural oily substance that helps protect them from the hot sun.
• Their teeth never stop growing – Like all rodents, capybaras’ teeth grow all their lives, so they need to keep chewing to wear them down.
• They often take naps in water – Sometimes capybaras nap with just their noses sticking out of the water. Talk about relaxed!

Article vocabulary list

• Rodent: An animal with sharp front teeth, like a rat or squirrel
• Wetlands: Land that is always wet, like swamps and marshes
• Semi-aquatic: Lives partly in water and partly on land
• Webbed feet: Feet with skin between the toes, like ducks have
• Chill: Very relaxed or calm (informal)
• Habitat: The natural home of an animal or plant
• Endangered: In danger of disappearing forever
• Leather: A material made from animal skin
• Cousins: Animals from the same family group

Comprehension questions

Just click the plus (+) to see the answer