Sunday, 22 August 2021

Capybara Colonists?

Capybaras are the largest living rodent, reaching 1 metre in length, when fully grown. They are semi-aquatic natives of South America. Nordelta is a gated community for rich Argentinians, to the North of Buenos Aires. Its houses have been built on part of the protected wetlands of Parana. Parana is optimal Capybara habitat. The Nordelta residents are now complaining about an 'invasion' of Capybaras (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/22/argentina-capybaras-giant-rodents-gated-community). Residents moan that the Capybaras are digging up 'their' lawns; biting 'their' dogs; depositing faeces and 'causing' traffic accidents. Given the location of Nordelta, it is debatable who is the actual invader. Capybaras were resident in the Parana and are just doing what the wild rodent normally does. They are strong swimmers, so they have found access the gated community, easy. They dig because they eat vegetation (they each need about 3kg per day). They attack animals, like dogs, that seem a threat to themselves or members of their social group (they are territorial). Like rabbits, they eat their own droppings in the morning. Capybaras are probably unfamiliar with the rules of the road. Some residents of Nordelta want to shoot the Capybaras but conservationists argue they are a protected species. Capybaras have no concept of human ownership.

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