Carpincho

Carpincho
Related Category: Vertebrate Zoology
(kärpn´ch): see capybara.
More on Carpincho
Capybara - mammal of Central and much of South America.

CAPYBARA, or Carpincho (Hydrochaerus capybara), the largest living rodent mammal, characterized by its moderately long limbs, partially-webbed toes, of which there are four in front and three behind, hoof-like nails, sparse hair, short ears, ...

Also Known As: The animal is also called capivara in Portuguese, and carpincho or chigüire in Spanish. The name originally derives from the Guarani word kapiÿva, meaning roughly "master of the grasses".

Some 190 local common names most of native origins
Kapiyva or "master of the grasses" in Amazon tribe's native language
In Spanish: carpincho, capibara, chigüiro, maja, poncho
Scientific Name ...

It is an excellent swimmer and diver. It eats vegetation and sometimes damages crops. It is hunted for food and, its hide is made into gloves, and its bristles are used in brushes. It is also called water hog and carpincho.

See also: Capybara, Water Hog, Hog, Diver, Guinea Pig