Trampling on rocky shores by an introduced capybara population in Anchieta Island State Park, Brazil

Abstract

This study describes an unusual case of trampling on intertidal rocky shores by the largest rodent, the capybara, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (Linnaeus, 1766). Groups of capybaras were sighted swimming, diving and resting along the rocky shores of Anchieta Island State Park, Brazil. The possible effects of daily trampling on rocky shores by a large and uncontrolled capybara population are discussed, and management and research interventions are proposed.