When Were Capybaras Discovered? A Look Into Their History

Capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, have captivated the imaginations of people across the globe with their chill personalities and social behaviour. Today, they’re a viral internet sensation and popular zoo attractions—but when were capybaras actually discovered? Who first documented them, and how did the rest of the world come to know about these semi-aquatic South American mammals?

To answer these questions, we need to dive into a blend of natural history, exploration, and early taxonomy. Capybaras were known to Indigenous peoples long before European contact, but the Western world didn’t learn of them until much later. This article will take you through the timeline of capybara discovery—from ancient knowledge to scientific classification.

Indigenous Knowledge Before European Contact

Long before capybaras appeared in Western scientific records, they were already well-known to the Indigenous peoples of South America. Tribes living near rivers and wetlands in regions that are now Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru had centuries of experience coexisting with these animals. They hunted them for meat, used their skins for leather, and sometimes even domesticated them.

In Indigenous oral traditions, capybaras often held symbolic or spiritual significance. Some groups believed they had special ties to water or fertility, while others simply regarded them as an important food source. In short, capybaras were “discovered” by humans thousands of years ago—but this knowledge wasn’t recorded in books or shared globally until much later.

Capybaras Enter European Records in the 1500s

Capybaras were first described by Europeans in the early 16th century, during the Age of Exploration. When Spanish and Portuguese explorers arrived in South America, they encountered many unfamiliar animals—capybaras included. Early writings from missionaries and explorers began to mention large, aquatic rodents that lived in swamps and rivers and moved in herds.

One notable point of confusion was the capybara’s classification. Early European settlers weren’t sure what kind of animal they were seeing. With their pig-like faces, rodent-like teeth, and love of water, capybaras didn’t fit neatly into any existing animal category known to Europeans at the time.

The Name "Capybara" Has Indigenous Roots

The name “capybara” comes from the Tupi word kapi’iwara, which loosely translates to “grass eater.” The Tupi were an Indigenous group that lived in parts of modern-day Brazil. As European naturalists began documenting the flora and fauna of South America, they often borrowed names from local tribes.

The Latin scientific name of the capybara is Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, which was officially assigned in the 18th century. The name means “water pig” in Greek—a nod to both its aquatic lifestyle and its pig-like appearance. This name is still used in zoological classification today.

18th Century: The Capybara Gains Scientific Recognition

The first formal scientific description of the capybara is credited to Carl Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist and “father of modern taxonomy.” In 1766, Linnaeus described the capybara in the 12th edition of his Systema Naturae, where he grouped it with rodents but gave it a distinct classification due to its size and aquatic habits.

This marked the capybara’s official entry into Western science. Naturalists and explorers throughout the 18th and 19th centuries collected specimens, drew illustrations, and continued refining their understanding of the species. The capybara began to appear in natural history texts and museum collections across Europe.

Capybaras and the Catholic Church

One unusual historical fact: the Catholic Church once classified capybaras as “fish.” This happened in the 16th century, after European missionaries in South America asked whether capybara meat could be eaten during Lent, when meat from land animals was forbidden.

Because capybaras lived in water, had webbed feet, and were considered semi-aquatic, Church authorities gave permission for their consumption during Lent, similar to how beavers were treated in other parts of the world. This decision helped make capybaras a popular protein source during fasting periods—and added to their growing notoriety among Europeans.

Capybaras in 19th-Century Exploration and Art

As the 1800s rolled on, capybaras became increasingly well-known among European naturalists, artists, and adventurers. Their unique appearance made them a subject of fascination in books and illustrations about the South American wilderness. Scientific expeditions collected capybaras for zoos, exhibitions, and museums.

Detailed drawings of capybaras were published in natural history compendiums, showing off their large size, webbed feet, and herd behaviour. The capybara was no longer just a local curiosity—it was becoming a globally recognised species.

Modern Recognition and Global Popularity

In the 20th and 21st centuries, capybaras continued to gain attention, particularly as exotic animals and zoo residents. Today, they’re beloved for their calm demeanour, unusual social tolerance, and adorable appearance. Photos and videos of capybaras lounging in hot springs, hanging out with other animals, or just chilling in the grass regularly go viral online.

While they’ve always been known to the Indigenous cultures of South America, the rest of the world has slowly caught up over the last 500 years. Thanks to early explorers, naturalists, and scientists, capybaras now have a place in modern science, popular culture, and even internet fame.

Final Thoughts

So, when were capybaras discovered? The full answer depends on how you define "discovery." Indigenous peoples have known about and interacted with capybaras for millennia. In contrast, Europeans first recorded them in the early 1500s, and the animal was formally described by scientists in the 1700s.

Capybaras serve as a fascinating case study in how animals are "discovered" multiple times—first by the people who live alongside them, then by global audiences who slowly come to appreciate their quirks and value. Today, they’re more than just the world’s largest rodent—they’re ambassadors for biodiversity, ecosystem health, and the quiet charm of nature’s gentler giants.