# How Long Do Capybaras Live?

> Capybara lifespan is typically 8–10 years in the wild. What shortens or extends life, life stages, and status (Least Concern).

- **Species:** Capybara (*Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris*)
- **Conservation status:** Least Concern
- **Diet:** Herbivore (grazer)
- **Habitat:** Wetlands, riverbanks, and grasslands
- **Lifespan:** 8–10 years in the wild
- **Top speed:** Up to 35 km/h (22 mph)
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/capybara/how-long-do-capybara-live/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/capybara/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

The capybara is the largest living rodent, a barrel-shaped, semi-aquatic herbivore from the wetlands and grasslands of South America. Adults can weigh up to 65 kg (143 lb) and stand about 0.6 m (2 ft) tall, with partially webbed feet for swimming. Highly social, capybaras live in groups near water, grazing on grasses and aquatic plants, and are known for their remarkably calm, friendly demeanor. In the wild they typically live 8 to 10 years.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need a prognosis for one named animal. This page is a species lifespan range.

## Behavior and social life

Capybaras are highly social and usually live in groups of around 10 to 20, sometimes far larger near abundant water in the dry season. Groups are led by a dominant male and communicate through barks, whistles, purrs, and scent marking. They are semi-aquatic and take to water to feed, cool off, and escape predators, and they can stay submerged for several minutes. Their calm temperament has made them famous for tolerating the company of many other animals.

## Help protect the Capybara

Even familiar animals lose ground as wild habitat keeps shrinking worldwide.

[Donate to wildlife protection](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/donate/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/capybara/how-long-do-capybara-live/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.