Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)

These giant rodents are perhaps the most photographed of all animals of the Pantanal, but most are from afar and generic.

I find these animals truly amazing and gentle, and hope these close-ups can convey some of their energy and uniqueness.

This is a mature male – identified by the gland on the snout which is larger than that of the mature female.

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
A different and younger member of the same group seen from the back – the eyes always looking for the signs of a Jaguar nearby.

Recently updated on 3 January 2015