Zoogeografia da espécie Hydrochoerus Hydrochaeris no Brasil

Abstract

The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest rodent in the world and one of the most emblematic mammals of the Neotropical fauna. Throughout the Quaternary period, characterized by alternating glacial and interglacial epochs, the species experienced significant climatic changes that profoundly transformed its habitats. Despite selective pressures such as resource competition, predation, and habitat fragmentation, the capybara has demonstrated remarkable resilience, persisting to the present day. This work, based on a bibliographical review, sought to investigate the environmental factors that influenced the distribution and adaptive mechanisms that enabled the evolutionary success of the capybara during the Quaternary in Brazil.. The findings indicate that the biological characterist of the species played a crucial role in its survival and expansion, facilitating its adaptation to climatic variability and environmental changes. This adaptive capacity relies on the preservation of essential resources, such as wetlands and open vegetation areas, which are critical for its well-being and reproduction. These factors highlight the capybara's central role in Neotropical biodiversity and underscore the importance of conservation strategies to safeguard its natural habitats