Capybaras (Rodentia: Cavidae) in highlands: environmental variables related to distribution,and herbivory effects on a common plant species

The capybara Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris is one of the largest and most widely distributed herbivores in the Neotropical lowlands. However, as yet, there are no records of its occurrence in highland environments. Our aim was to evaluate the environmental variables related to the capybara’s distribution and monitor the effects of its herbivory on the individuals and on the reproductive phenology of A. polyanthus, a common and important plant species of the high-altitude grasslands. Our results show that capybaras frequently occur in the high-altitude grasslands along the Campo Belo River, but they avoid waterlogged areas, occurring more frequently on the dry rocky areas. Capybara herbivory affected the number of A. polyanthus rosettes in flower, leading to the presence of inflorescence formation anomalies. High-altitude grasslands apparently provide capybaras with the three main components (food, shelter and water) required for their occurrence. However, although they seem to present a seasonal feeding strategy, which also happens in lowlands, their avoidance of the waterlogged areas suggests that in highlands the species may present different environmental preferences from those presented in lowlands. In addition, the impact of capybaras’ herbivory on A. polyanthus individuals indicates the potential impact that capybaras can represent on the plant community of the high-altitude grasslands. This appears to be a great opportunity to study the effect of the arrival of a large herbivore in a new environment and possible impacts on plant assemblages.