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14. Capybaras and Their Remarkable Thermoregulation
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For controlling their body temperature, capybaras have evolved an amazing range of adaptations—a vital capacity for creatures typically found in hot, tropical habitats. Their semi-aquatic life is among their most successful thermoregulating techniques. With just their eyes, ears and nostrils above the surface, capybaras regularly sink themselves into water to cool themselves. Along with keeping their body temperature comfortable, this behaviour shields them from the strong tropical sun. Apart from cooling with water, capybaras include specialised skin glands secreting an oily material. An animal that spends so much time in and around water depends on its fur to be waterproof, hence this secretion is vital. Additionally antimicrobial, the oil helps to ward against skin diseases in their humid surroundings. Like reptiles, capybaras can often be observed basking in the sun to warm during colder months. Their success in many ecosystems can be much attributed to their capacity to control their body temperature under different circumstances.
