Why Capybaras Ride on the Backs of Crocodiles in the Wild

Capybaras are the largest living rodents. They are also one of the sweetest animals other species come across in South America. Because capybaras eat a vegetarian diet, they do not compete with predators for food. They are also beneficial to their environments by creating paths through the vegetation they eat, which helps prevent overgrowth and allows other creatures to navigate the grasslands along the shores of the bodies of water they inhabit. It is these very waterways that can be dangerous for capybaras, given that they tend to live in the same areas as crocodilians, specifically caimans and crocodiles.

Capybaras Enjoy Free Rides on the Backs of Other Animals

Capybaras are very social animals. They use their sweet nature to not only befriend other species, but also to frequently hitch rides on the backs of other animals to cross bodies of water that could be treacherous to small mammals. The reason why capybaras ride other animals is not known. However, when it comes to riding crocodiles, there are several hypotheses surrounding the phenomenon.

According to scientists, capybaras may ride on the backs of crocodiles in order to escape becoming a meal for other crocodiles when crossing a body of water. Crocodiles will not attack each other to try to get a capybara off another crocodile’s back. This means that capybaras are relatively safe jumping on the back of a crocodile to take a ride in the water.

Another promising idea as to why capybaras ride on the backs of crocodiles has to do with body temperature regulation. When capybaras ride on a crocodile’s back, they absorb heat from crocodiles that have been basking in the sun, while the crocodiles benefit from the warmth as they swim in the water. If this is the case, it is a symbiotic relationship between the two species, who can conserve energy by keeping one another warm rather than having to work to stay warm alone.

It could also be that capybaras ride on the backs of crocodiles simply because they want to, according to Capybara Nation. Given their curious nature, capybaras may choose to ride on the backs of large reptiles for enjoyment and to gain a new perspective when crossing a body of water.

Regardless of the reason, the relationship between capybaras and crocodiles may never be fully understood. Even when crocodiles have the opportunity to eat a capybara that is near them, the crocodiles instead choose to leave the capybara alone. Whether due to a symbiotic relationship or simply because capybaras do not make good meals because of their size, the two creatures have learned not only to coexist but to thrive together in an environment that would typically make them enemies.

Capybaras Allow Other Animals to Ride on Their Backs

What is interesting about capybaras is that they not only take trips on the backs of crocodiles, but they also allow other animals to ride on their backs.

Capybaras have symbiotic relationships with several different species of animals. Consequently, the more interaction capybaras and other animals have with one another, the healthier each is.

Animals that are known for spending the most time with capybaras are birds and monkeys. It’s common to see birds and monkeys riding on the backs of capybaras. They do this not only for transportation but also to eat insects and ticks from the capybara’s fur. This provides a meal for those riding the capybara and keeps the capybara healthy in the process.

Capybaras are very tolerant of other animals in their habitat. Therefore, if another animal climbs onto their back and does not cause any harm, capybaras are generally unbothered and may even transport the animal to its destination.

Capybaras Are Known For Being Social With Multiple Species

Capybaras are known for their very calm and good-natured demeanor. This is likely why the large rodents are known for being one of the friendliest animals in the animal kingdom.

It does not matter if it is a domestic or wild environment, capybaras have managed to build rapport with different species across the board. From dogs, cats, and rabbits to monkeys, turtles, and birds, it seems that no animal dislikes capybaras. This goes for the more aggressive animals, including wild boars and giant anteaters, who generally tend to be territorial.

Whether it is due to their strong social networks, which provide both vigilance and collective defense against predators, or because capybaras tend to keep to themselves and avoid causing problems for other animals, they are often able to avoid danger.

Enemies Capybaras Tend to Stay Away From

Despite co-existing peacefully with much of the animal kingdom that lives in the same environment, capybaras do have natural predators. This is why the community of capybaras works together to keep an eye out for these creatures so that danger can be avoided as soon as possible.

The animals that see capybaras as prey rather than as species to live in harmony with include:

• Jaguars
• Caimans
• Anacondas
• Pumas
• Ocelots
• Vultures
• Eagles
• Humans

Yes, even people will eat capybara. They are considered a delicacy in Latin America, where the creature has been a mainstay in meals for thousands of years. However, capybaras will still come into contact with people as long as they do not sense any danger.

It should be noted that the laid-back nature of capybaras does not mean they will not or cannot defend themselves. Their modes of defensive rely heavily on detecting and evading threats; central to that is their keen sense of their surroundings. For one, their social living structure—in groups of 10-20 individuals and sometimes more—provides much cover and protection from possible threats. Cabybaras will take turns grazing, resting, and watching for threats. Additionally, they move well both on land and in the water. Many of their natural predators will not follow them into the water, and on land, by holding very still in heavy vegetation, they become nearly invisible.

If a threat does necessitate a confrontation, capybaras are not completely helpless. They have strong jaws and incisors that can deliver a nasty bite, although it is unlikely to kill a hungry predator. The bite can give these gentle giants the opportunity to make an escape to the water or thick vegetation where its coloring will help them to blend in with their surroundings.