Which rainforest mammal is the world’s largest rodent?

The capybara is the world’s largest rodent.

Capybaras are semi-aquatic mammals native to much of South America, where they live beside rivers, marshes, lakes, and seasonally flooded rainforest. Adults can weigh more than 60 kilograms, although size varies by sex and region. Their barrel-shaped bodies, partially webbed feet, and eyes, ears, and nostrils positioned high on the head help them spend considerable time in water.

Capybaras eat grasses and other plant material. They are social animals and commonly live in groups, sometimes numbering dozens during the dry season. Their closest living relatives are guinea pigs and rock cavies, not beavers, despite their aquatic habits.

The name “capybara” comes through Spanish and Portuguese from an Indigenous South American language. The species is also called the greater capybara, distinguishing it from the lesser capybara, which is smaller and found farther north in Central America.