Rodents; Capybaras, Rats, Beavers

Rodents

Rodents constitute the largest family of mammals meaning 'gnawing animals'. They have two long pairs of incisors that they use as chisels to gnaw on hard food like nuts and wood. The incisors grow continuously and are also usually worn down by gnawing. Squirrels, rats, mice and porcupines belong to the family of rodents.

Capybaras

The capybara is a semi-aquatic mammal found in South America. It is the largest rodent. Agouti, chinchillas, coyphillas, and guinea pigs are closely related to capybaras. It is a good swimmer and can stay underwater for up to five minutes. Capybaras are herbivores and usually feed on grass and other small plants. They are social and are found in groups of 10 to 20 near waterbodies in forested areas.

Rats

Rats are medium-sized, long-tailed rodents. The term 'rat' usually refers to two main species of house rats- the Norway rat and the roof rat. Both species are endemic to Asia, but have spread throughout the world. Rats are nocturnal, have poor eyesight and are color-blind. They do not have very developed senses of hearing, smell, taste and touch. They are omnivorous scavengers and eat almost anything-fruit, nuts, reptiles, fish and fungus. Their strong teeth allow them to gnaw through wood, copper and aluminum. Rats are very social and affectionate animals, but are also the carriers of diseases such as plague, rat fever, typhus and meningitis.

Beavers

Beavers are large semi-aquatic rodents endemic to North America and Europe. They are the second largest rodent after capybaras. Beavers are known for the large dams that they build in lakes, rivers and streams by felling trees. They are also valued for their fur coat and hunted for their meat. There are two existing species of beavers: the European beaver, found in parts of Europe, and the American beaver or Canadian beaver, found in Canada, the US and parts of Mexico.

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