CAPYBARA BARKS TO ALERT GROUP OF JAGUAR IN THE PANTANAL

Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) emit a sound similar to a dog’s bark. This vocalization was recorded by biologist and ecotourism guide Paula Ojeda in Miranda, in the southern region of the Pantanal, Brazil.

In the footage, a jaguar (Panthera onca) is seen lying in wait, ready to pounce. The capybara spots the predator and starts barking to warn the group.

The sound and sudden movement takes the jaguar by surprise, and it eventually gives up on the hunt.

As semi-aquatic mammals, capybaras feel safer in the water and can stay submerged for up to five minutes.

According to the biologist, although the video did not capture the full audio, the other capybaras responded to the barks, indicating they had detected the threat.

Capybaras are the largest rodent species in the world. They live in groups and communicate through different vocalizations. The barking sound is typically used in situations of danger.

The species is commonly found in wetland areas across South America and is frequently seen in the Pantanal as well as in urban areas of Mato Grosso do Sul, where they coexist with the local population.

Capybaras and urban environments

In the capital city of Campo Grande, it is common to see capybaras at the Parque das Nações Indígenas and at the Love Lake, where they share the space with people exercising or enjoying leisure time.

In urban settings, these warning barks are rarely heard, as explained by the biologist:

“In cities, they’re usually quiet because they have no predators around.”

According to the NGO Onçafari, capybaras play a vital role in the ecosystem. In addition to controlling aquatic environments through their feeding habits, they are an important food source for top predators like jaguars.

The word “capybara” originates from the Tupi language. Kapi'wara means “grass eater,” a nod to their herbivorous diet largely based on grasses.