Damage caused by capybaras in a corn Field

Abstract

Damage caused by capybaras in agroecossystems in Brazil has been frequently observed. The objective of this study was to describe and quantify the actual damage caused by capybaras in a corn field, aiming to get basic information on how, how much, and where these damage occur. Systematic sampling indicated that 26% of the planted area were damaged by capybaras, and the highest percentage of damage occurred on the border of the corn field (t=4.5698, p=0.0001). Damage in areas adjacent to a forest fragment was significantly higher (t=13.6198, p=0.0001), suggesting that the strategy of area utilization for feeding was related to the proximity of the resources "forest" and "water". Avoiding corn plantation in areas adjacent to forest fragments used by capybaras and, when possible, controlling capybara population may lead to a reduction of damage occurrence in agroecossystems.

Relationship between body mass and body length in capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)

“…The average body mass of adults and juveniles males and females from the present study was bigger than those from other studies (Ojasti 1973, Cordero & Ojasti 1981, Schaller 1983, Herrera 1986, Mones & Ojasti 1986, Herrera 1992, except from Alho et al (1989) (Table 2). The present results suggest that in agroecosystems capybaras can reach bigger body mass than in natural habitats possibly because of food availability (Ferraz et al 2003).…”

“…Apparently, the process of habitat deforestation has been favoring capybaras population increase in this region, mainly due to the great food availability by agriculture such as corn, sugar cane, and rice (Ferraz et al, 2003). Besides the natural vegetation (grass and aquatic plants - Ojasti, 1973), capybaras consume mainly C4 domestic plants what has been probably contributing for the species adaptation to anthropogenic habitats.…”

“…In this region, capybara habitats can be described as agricultural fields in flat areas near watercourses (Ferraz 2004). Capybara has also been reported to cause damage in agricultural fields at the University Campus (Ferraz et al, 2003) and its relationship with the occurrence of ricketsiosis has also been studied (Labruna et al, 2004). As part of a management program, capybaras have been monitored in this study sites weekly by direct counts since July 1998 (Verdade & Ferraz 2005).…”

Estrutura populacional de capivaras na Estação Ecológica do Taim, Brasil, RS

“…Danos por capivaras nas atividades agrícolas foram relatados por FERRAZ et al (2003) e VERDADE & FERRAZ (2006. No sul do Rio Grande do Sul, esse fato tem se verificado para as atividades agrícolas no entorno da Estação Ecológica do Taim, sobretudo naquelas áreas voltadas para a monocultura do arroz.…”

Capybaras in an anthropogenic habitat in Southeastern Brazil

“…in recent years capybaras have reportedly caused damage in experimental agricultural fields at the Campus "luiz de Queiroz", university of são paulo, in central-eastern são paulo state (Ferraz et al, 2003). in order to establish a management program, we have been monitoring the capybara population on campus since July 1998.…”