Lesser Capybara vs Pacific Spiny-rat

Hydrochoerus isthmius compared with Proechimys decumanus

Key Differences

• Lesser Capybara is Data Deficient while Pacific Spiny-rat is Near Threatened.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Lesser Capybara	Pacific Spiny-rat
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class same	Mammalia (Mammals)	Mammalia (Mammals)
Order same	Rodentia (Rodents)	Rodentia (Rodents)
Family	Caviidae	Echimyidae
Genus	Hydrochoerus	Proechimys
Species	Hydrochoerus isthmius	Proechimys decumanus

Evolutionary Relationship

Lesser Capybara and Pacific Spiny-rat share a common ancestor at the Order level: Rodentia. (Rodents)

Conservation Status

Lesser Capybara

DD — Data Deficient

Pacific Spiny-rat

NT — Near Threatened

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Lesser Capybara	Pacific Spiny-rat
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Lesser Capybara

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Range

Distributed across Colombia and Venezuela.

Pacific Spiny-rat

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Range

Found in Ecuador. Listed as Near Threatened, this species requires ongoing monitoring to prevent population decline.