Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) in anthropogenic environments: Challenges and conflicts

Abstract

Capybaras are the largest living rodents, found only in the Neotropics. The species is expanding their range as agricultural deforestation occurs, especially in Southeastern Brazil, Paraguay and Colombia. Major conflicts between capybaras and humans have been described, especially in the context of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), road kill and crop damage. Even though capybaras are just one of many possible tick-borne hosts, the species has been blamed by the public as the main agent responsible for its occurrence. In addition, capybaras are among the species most frequently involved in road accidents causing extensive damage including human casualties due to its large body size and social behavior. Lastly, the increase of capybara populations in agricultural landscapes may lead to crop damage. Often such conflicts are not well managed, bringing up only short-term solutions that are inefficient in detecting the real problem. Instead of a plague, capybaras should be considered as a great natural resource still lacking the proper public policy to be effectively managed in Brazil.