Capybara and farmer coexist in a cornfield at twilight.

Capybara Conflicts: How Farmers Can Protect Crops Without Harming Wildlife

Lena Kashyap in Climate & Environment June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Balancing agricultural needs with wildlife conservation: A practical guide for farmers facing capybara crop damage."

Across Brazil, a growing tension simmers between farmers and local wildlife, particularly with capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), the world's largest rodents. These semi-aquatic mammals, known for their gentle nature, often find themselves at odds with agricultural interests as they graze on cultivated crops.

Capybaras, adaptable eaters, have expanded their diet beyond natural grasses and aquatic plants to include crops like maize, sugarcane, and rice, leading to significant yield losses for farmers. This shift in feeding habits is largely driven by the conversion of natural landscapes into agricultural land, reducing the capybaras' natural habitat.

A recent study in the Dourados region of Brazil sheds light on the feeding behavior of capybaras and the extent of crop damage they cause. This research not only quantifies the economic impact on local farms but also explores potential strategies for mitigating conflicts between capybaras and agricultural activities, offering a balanced approach to conservation and farming.

Understanding Capybara Behavior and Crop Selection

Capybara and farmer coexist in a cornfield at twilight.

The study, conducted between April 2010 and September 2011, involved semi-structured interviews with farmers across 24 different properties in the Dourados-MS region. Researchers combined these interviews with direct field observations at six farms, recording capybara activity at various times of day and night to capture peak feeding periods. This comprehensive approach allowed for a detailed understanding of capybara herd sizes and feeding preferences.

Data analysis revealed that the average capybara herd consisted of approximately 18.8 animals, with an average of 1.38 herds present per farm. While capybaras showed a preference for rice when available, the most consumed crop was corn, suffering a loss rate of 38.55% across 16.17% of the total planted area. This preference highlights the economic challenges faced by corn farmers in the region.

Capybaras primarily feed during the evening and night.
Availability of water resources in rural areas is a key factor influencing the presence of capybara herds.
Corn crops suffer the highest losses due to capybara feeding.
Rice crops are preferred when available, but corn is more frequently targeted due to wider cultivation.

The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) further clarified the relationships between capybara presence and farm characteristics. A positive correlation was found between the availability of water and the number of capybaras, confirming that water sources act as attractants. This information is crucial for developing strategies that manage capybara populations without disrupting farming operations.

Strategies for Coexistence

Addressing the conflict between capybaras and agriculture requires a multifaceted approach that balances the needs of farmers with wildlife conservation. Farmers are encouraged to implement strategies such as planting crops further from forest edges, protecting and expanding natural habitats, and managing water resources to discourage capybara presence. Population control measures, where ethically and legally permissible, can also help reduce the impact on crop yields. By adopting these integrated strategies, farmers can mitigate crop damage while ensuring the long-term sustainability of both their farms and the local ecosystem.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/1519-6984.02113, Alternate LINK

Title: Feeding Behavior And Crop Damage Caused By Capybaras (Hydrochoerus Hydrochaeris) In An Agricultural Landscape

Subject: General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Journal: Brazilian Journal of Biology

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Ga Felix, Icl Almeida Paz, U Piovezan, Rg Garcia, Kao Lima, Ia Nääs, Dd Salgado, M Pilecco, M Belloni

Published: 2014-11-01

Everything You Need To Know

How does the availability of water influence capybara presence on farms?

Capybaras are drawn to water sources. The study in the Dourados region of Brazil used Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and found a positive correlation between the availability of water and the number of capybaras present on farms. By managing water resources, farmers can potentially discourage capybara presence without disrupting farming operations, thus minimizing crop damage.

Which crops are most affected by capybara feeding, and what are the economic implications?

According to the study in the Dourados region of Brazil, capybaras have shown a preference for rice crops when available. However, because corn is more widely cultivated in that area, corn crops suffer the highest losses due to capybara feeding, with a loss rate of 38.55% across 16.17% of the total planted area. The consumption of corn highlights the economic challenges faced by corn farmers in the region.

What is the typical herd size of capybaras, and how does this impact crop damage?

The study in the Dourados region of Brazil revealed that the average capybara herd consists of approximately 18.8 animals, with an average of 1.38 herds present per farm. The size and number of herds are key factors influencing the extent of crop damage experienced by farmers.

What practical strategies can farmers employ to protect their crops from capybaras without harming the wildlife?

Farmers can protect their crops by implementing several strategies. These include planting crops further from forest edges to reduce easy access for capybaras, protecting and expanding natural habitats to provide alternative food sources, and managing water resources to make the area less attractive to these animals. Where ethically and legally permissible, population control measures can also be considered. These integrated strategies help mitigate crop damage while supporting the long-term sustainability of both farms and the local ecosystem.

What are the wider implications of the conflict between capybaras and farmers for agricultural practices and wildlife conservation?

The increasing conflict between capybaras and agricultural interests, as highlighted by the study in the Dourados region of Brazil, underscores the broader challenge of balancing agricultural needs with wildlife conservation. As natural landscapes are converted into agricultural land, capybaras are forced to adapt their feeding habits, leading to crop damage. Finding sustainable solutions requires understanding capybara behavior, implementing effective mitigation strategies, and promoting coexistence between farmers and wildlife.