Overview

Capybaras are keystone herbivores in South American wetland ecosystems, meaning their presence and behavior significantly influence the structure and function of their habitats. Their primary ecological role is as grazers of aquatic and terrestrial vegetation, particularly grasses, reeds, and aquatic plants. By controlling vegetation density, they help maintain open channels in wetlands, which promotes water flow, nutrient cycling, and habitat availability for fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. Capybaras also serve as a critical prey species for a variety of predators, including jaguars, pumas, anacondas, caimans, and large birds of prey. Their abundance and social behavior influence predator populations, helping stabilize food webs. Interestingly, the presence of capybaras can also indirectly support smaller herbivores by creating open grazing areas and reducing the prevalence of certain invasive plant species. Their fecal matter contributes to nutrient cycling, particularly in aquatic systems. Capybara droppings enrich wetland soils with nitrogen and phosphorus, fostering plant growth and supporting microbial and invertebrate communities. Additionally, capybaras often facilitate seed dispersal for various wetland plants, further contributing to habitat regeneration and plant diversity. Capybaras' social behavior and communal wallowing in mud or water also create microhabitats used by smaller species, such as amphibians, insects, and crustaceans, highlighting their indirect influence on biodiversity. In riparian zones, their trampling and grazing patterns can shape plant succession and influence wetland hydrology, demonstrating their ecological engineering capabilities.

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