It is estimated that more than 40% of land mammals are rodents. There are more than 2,200 species. These are usually small animals, however, there are exceptions to this rule.
In this article we will point out the largest rodents on planet Earth along with curiosities and their peculiarities.
Although it may seem like a contradiction, it is the world's largest rodents that are most threatened. If you continue reading this article on our site, you will find out many interesting facts about the world's largest rodents.
The capybara or capybara
The capybara is the largest rodent in the world It is an aquatic animal, since its habitat requires wetlands, mangroves and areas lacustrine with stagnant waters with a profusion of vegetation. It is a very social animal that lives in groups. It is a herbivore whose territorial distribution ranges from Central America to the south of the South American continent.
Its weight can reach 65 Kg, in females whose size is larger than males. They can reach 1, 30 m. of length. Its appearance is very characteristic, with a solid body with short legs and a very compact head with small ears and large incisors typical of rodents.
There are two subspecies: the smaller one, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris isthmius, which inhabits the north of Central/South America and the Andean slope. The largest subspecies, Hydrochaerus hydrochaeris hydrochaeris, inhabits the Venezuelan Llanos, the Orinoco River basin, and other large wetlands.
The capybara is not threatened, except in some urbanized areas. It is undoubtedly a charming animal that can be an excellent pet However, we must be consistent with the adoption of an animal of this type since by abandoning them we can encourage the invasion of species in other countries in addition to leaving an animal accustomed to human contact in complete solitude.
The Beaver
The beaver is the second largest rodent. There are two species of beaver: the American and the European beaver. Within each species there are multiple subspecies, depending on the habitat. Both species live in the northern hemisphere, where they are native.
The American beaver, Castor canadensis, lives from Canada to the southern USA. Unfortunately, this species has been introduced in some places in Europe and the Argentine Tierra del Fuego, becoming an invasive species.
The beaver inhabits rivers and streams where the water flows with a certain intensity. To ensure the level of water that protects it from predators, the beaver builds dams using trees, branches and earth. With this titanic work he manages to create very he althy ponds for Nature. The beaver builds its burrows protected and surrounded by water. Their predators are wolves, coyotes, lynxes and eagles.
A peculiarity of the beaver is that it grows throughout its life The average weight is 16 kg, but specimens of up to 40 kg. The females are larger than the males. European beavers, Castor fiber, are smaller. Currently the largest populations are distributed in Russia and Scandinavian countries.
The mara
The mara, or Patagonian hare, is a rodent that can weigh up to 16 kg. of weight. Despite its name, it is not related to hares. Its scientific name is: Dolichotis patagonum.
Its habitat is concentrated in the Patagonian steppe and pre-desert areas. Its main predators are the puma, the maned wolf and the harpies. Man consumes their meat, which is why there are maras farms. However, the main enemy of the maras are the European hares introduced by man, which are colonizing their territories.
The morphology of the mara is quite peculiar, since it resembles a cross between a capybara and a deer, due to its long and strong legs. It is a very fast animal if it is chased.
A peculiarity of the maras is that they are monogamous, that is, they mate for life. These animals have a great capacity for reproduction, as is usual among rodents. They can have 3/4 litters a year from 1 to 3 pups each time. There are maras turned into pets that are extremely affectionate. They are diurnal animals.
El coypu
The coypu is an aquatic rodent from the river basins of South America, although it is native to Argentina. Due to its size, up to 10 kg, and its great reproductive capacity, it has spread throughout the South American continent; and is even considered an invasive species in North America, Japan, and Europe.
The coypu bears a certain anatomical resemblance to the capybara, but is much smaller in size and has a rat's tail. Its scientific name is: Myocastor coypus. This animal is consumed for its meat and in the past its skin was used.
It is an animal Extremely affable with humans if it is tamed, but its possession is prohibited in practically all the countries of the world. The reason is that it is exposed in the list of the 100 most harmful invasive alien species in the world. This list is compiled by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The pacarana
The pacarana is a large rodent that is in danger of extinction Its habitat is limited to the Venezuelan Andean foothills and forests tropical Peru, Colombia and Bolivia. The pacarana can weigh up to 18 kg. Its scientific name is: Dinomys branickii.
This is a solid-looking nocturnal animal, whose coat is reminiscent of wild boars due to its whitish stripes on the dark background of its back. On the flanks there are moles of different diameters.
It is a protected animal that feeds on fruits, vegetables and berries. It has the habit of sitting on its hind legs and consuming its food by holding it in its hands.
The bale
The paca, also called spotted rabbit among more than twenty other regional names, bears some resemblance to the pacarana, but is less size.
Its natural habitat is found in watercourses near tropical forests. The paca is distributed from Mexico to northern Argentina and Uruguay. Its scientific name is: Cuniculus paca. Its weight ranges between 7 - 10 Kg The color of its fur is brown-orange, and on its back there is a row of small white moles, and some stripes white on their flanks.
The paca is nocturnal and feeds on vegetables, berries, tubers, fruits and rhizomes.
In Peru, Costa Rica and Panama it has been domesticated for thousands of years. Their meat there is much appreciated. In the wild it is a protected animal, although due to the enormous extension of its habitat it is not considered threatened. Its greatest danger is deforestation.
The Crested Porcupine
The crested porcupine, Hystrix cristata, is a peculiar rodent that inhabits warm areas of Africa and Europe - Southern Italy -. The main characteristic of this animal are some long spikes (up to 35 cm.) that cover its back, flanks and tail.
With these sharp spikes they defend themselves from the attack of their predators. When it bristles its quills in defensive mode, it emits a characteristic warning sound with them. The porcupine can weigh about 15 kg. It is an animal with nocturnal habits that feeds on tubers, roots, green vegetables and occasionally carrion.
The porcupine digs burrows, or hides in rocky crevices in its area. Not considered threatened.
If you liked this article, don't hesitate to visit…
- The Smartest Rodents
- Hamster Types
- The pet rat
