Capybaras, the world largest rodents, are increasingly kept as exotic pets despite their complex social, environmental, and dietary requirements.
Capybaras are complex social animals that suffer significantly when kept alone or in pairs without adequate space, water access, and social companionship. They require pools deep enough to fully submerge, which requires significant space and infrastructure. Their large size and specialized diet make veterinary care challenging. Behavioral problems including aggression, stereotypic behaviors, and failure to thrive are common in inadequately kept animals. Males have scent glands that make them challenging pets. They can transmit zoonotic diseases including salmonella and leptospirosis. In the wild, they are important prey for jaguars, anacondas, and caimans, playing a significant ecological role in South American wetlands.