Let's fold this simple papercraft and learn more about the friendliest animal on the planet, the capybara.
Capybara is known as the largest rodent in the world. This animal lives mainly in South America, especially Brazil. They have a roundish appearance, measuring about 1.2 - 1.4 meters in length and weighing from 35 - 66 kg. Their thick fur, brown or gray in color, helps them stay warm in the water. Capybara's legs are short, strong, with webbed feet and claws to help them grip the ground and swim in the water.
They tend to live in groups of up to dozens of individuals. This species mainly eats grass, so it does not cause harm like other rodent species. True to its name, the Capybara especially loves water. They can even mate while underwater. Capybaras can dive and stay underwater for up to 5 minutes. When on land, this species also has an impressive speed. They can accelerate up to 35 km/h, comparable to horses.
Capybaras can reproduce throughout the year, but their breeding season is usually during the dry season. After about 5 months of pregnancy, a female Capybara will give birth to 1 to 8 young. The young will be nursed by the mother's milk for 16 weeks.
However, Capybaras are currently threatened due to habitat loss and hunting for their meat and hides. They are now listed as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List. Protecting and preserving the survival of Capybaras is crucial to maintaining the biodiversity of the planet.
Download and build your own Capybara papercraft by Ayumu Saito.
