A DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNT OF CAPYBARA BEHAVIOR

A study of capybara behaviour was made on two large ranches in the lla nos of Venezuela. Animals were marked with numbered, brightly coloured collars and observations were recorded with a videocamera. Capybaras were found to regurgitate and re-chew food material at frequent interv als throughout the day when they were resting, complementing coprophag y as an aid to digestion. Social organization as reported by others wa s confirmed, however some exceptional behavioural actions were recorde d on videotape. Reaction to predators and infant predation is describe d, as well as vocalizations, grooming, contact between individuals, ma rking, territory and home range.