Disclaimer: Fact sheets on prehistoric (extinct) species contain archived content and are no longer being updated. At the time of publication, these pages summarized the best available science. However, some content may become outdated as scientists report new discoveries.
| Taxonomy | Physical Characteristics |
|---|---|
|
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Rodentia Family: Hydrochoeridae Subfamily: Hydrochoerinae Genus: Neochoerus Species: Neochoerus pinckneyi - extinct Genus: Hydrochaeris Species: Hydrochaeris gaylordi - extinct Species: Hydrochaeris holmesi - extinct Species: Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris - extant Species: Hydrochaeris isthmius - extant |
Body Length: estimated 108 cm (6 ft) Tail Length: vestigal Pelage: not known but probably coarse and sparse,similar to modern capybara. Teeth: lower incisors more compressed than in living capybara. |
| Distribution & Status | Behavior & Ecology |
|
Prehistoric distribution: Neochoerus pinckneyi: southern U.S, West Indies, Central America, Mexico Habitat: near fresh water, like modern capybara Status: extinct |
Locomotion: Similar anatomy to living capybara implies non-specialized but good swimming ability as well as walking, and occasional trotting, gallopping. Social Groups: assumed to be gregarious. Diet: primarily grasses Predators: most likely medium to large extinct and dogs, teratorns, anaconda. |
| Reproduction & Development | Species Highlights |
| Unknown. |
Feature Facts
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© 2009 San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
How to cite: Extinct Pinckney's Capybara (Neochoerus pinchkneyi) Fact Sheet. c2009. San Diego (CA): San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance; [accessed YYYY Mmm dd]. http://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/ extinctpinckeyscapybara.
(note: replace YYYY Mmm dd with date accessed, e.g., 2015 Sep 10)
Disclaimer: Although San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance makes every attempt to provide accurate information, some of the facts provided may become outdated or replaced by new research findings. Questions and comments may be addressed to library@sdzwa.org.
