Capybaras live primarily in South America, inhabiting savannas, dense forests, and areas near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and swamps. They are found throughout much of northern and central South America, including countries like Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina (mainly the northeastern coast), and Uruguay, but they are absent from Chile and the western Andes region
. They prefer semi-aquatic environments where they can swim and stay near water for protection and food. Capybaras are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes, often escaping predators by diving into water
. In addition to their native range, small invasive populations have been reported in Florida, USA, where some capybaras have escaped captivity and established themselves in similar watery habitats
. However, these populations are not widespread or fully established. In summary, capybaras live in watery, grassy, and forested habitats across most of South America, especially near rivers and wetlands, with some introduced populations in parts of North America like Florida.
