Capybara

The lesser capybara (Hydrochoerus isthmius) — the smaller, Panama-native variant of the world-famous capybara — is a semi-aquatic rodent that can weigh up to 50 kg. They are perfectly adapted to water, with slightly upward-set eyes and nostrils that let them swim almost fully submerged.

Capybaras are highly social and live in groups of 10–30 animals. They communicate with a wide variety of sounds, including whistles, grunts and a characteristic clicking. Their diet consists of grasses and aquatic plants.

In Panama they are found in the wetlands along the Canal, especially at Gatún Lake. They are diurnal and relatively easy to observe, particularly in the early morning hours.