Capybara - Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris
Florida's Nonnative Wildlife. Species detail.
Large rodent from South America that might have
originated from escapes from a wildlife research facility.
Population size, trends, and impact on native species are unknown.
Although not reported breeding in the wild, sightings are not
uncommon, and a breeding population may exist.
| County |
First Year |
Extirpated Year |
Breeding status |
Notes |
| ALACHUA |
2000 |
|
Not reported breeding |
Some animals reportedly escaped from captive herd in 2001 |
| BRADFORD |
1990s |
|
Not reported breeding |
|
| UNION |
1995 |
|
Not reported breeding |
Animal killed on Interstate 10 in 2001 |
| SARASOTA |
2001 |
|
Not reported breeding |
Adult animal killed on State Road 72 just east of the Myakka
River bridge (P. Beshoff, FDEP, Myakka River State Park, personal
communication) |
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Nonnative Mammals