The lesser capybara (Hydrochoerus isthmius ) is a large semiaquatic rodent of the family Caviidae found in eastern Panama, northwestern Colombia, and western Venezuela. The lesser capybara was described as a species in 1912, but was later re-categorized as a subspecies of the capybara (H. hydrochaeris ). Following studies of anatomy and genetics in the mid-1980s, it was recommended that it again should be recognized as a separate species, and this gained more widespread recognition in 1991, although some continue to consider it a subspecies.
The lesser capybara closely resembles the capybara, but is smaller in size and has a darker brown coat. Adults of the lesser capybara typically weigh up to about 28 kg (62 lb), while adults of the latter species weigh at least 35 kg (77 lb) and often much more.
Lesser capybaras are found in eastern Panama, northwestern Colombia, and western Venezuela. They live in areas close to water near marshes, and along streams, ponds, and rivers.
Lesser capybaras may be diurnal or nocturnal and solitary or social depending on season, habitat, and hunting pressure. These animals spend their time feeding or resting. When disturbed, capybaras will flee, or produce an alarm call and dive into the water. They are excellent swimmers and may even submerge if pursued.
Lesser capybaras are herbivores (graminivores). They feed on fresh grass and water plants and sometimes fruits and crops.
Lesser capybaras breed year-round and females give birth to a litter of 3-4 pups. The gestation period usually lasts around 108 days. The young are born well developed and are able to travel with their mother.
The main threats to these animals include hunting for their meat, the destruction of gallery forests, swamp drainage, and extensive agriculture.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Lesser capybara total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Data Deficient (DD) on the IUCN Red List.
