Capybaras are highly social South American rodents whose welfare in the wild is affected by hunting, habitat loss and drought, while their increasing popularity as exotic pets raises serious concerns about their complex needs in captivity.
Wild capybaras face welfare impacts from hunting, habitat loss from wetland drainage and agricultural conversion, and drought events that reduce access to water. During dry seasons, food and water competition increases within groups and conflict-related injuries occur. In captivity, the welfare situation is frequently poor — capybaras require permanent water access for swimming, large social groups, extensive grazing areas and appropriate climate. Single-housed pet capybaras show depression, repetitive behaviours and shortened lifespans. Many jurisdictions that permit capybara ownership provide no guidance on their complex needs, leading to chronic welfare compromise in the pet trade.