Though previously preyed upon by jaguars, the latter have almost disappeared in Argentina, and now the rodents, which reproduce at a high rate, as many rodents do, have increased in population. Local scientists say that in one year, their numbers shot up by 16%, according to Time Magazine. More and more have been trampling through gardens and golf courses.
Recently, capybaras have expanded their presence in Buenos Aires province due to climate change. Indeed, the capital has become more tropical, and increased temperatures and precipitation have created more suitable habitat for the creatures. Researchers believe more rainfall and flooding may have caused some brackish lagoons to become less salty, a trend which favors capybaras, since the animals are semi-aquatic freshwater mammals. They seemingly prefer water so much, “hydro” is in their Latin binomial twice: Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris.
