Lesser Capybara vs Scoophead

Hydrochoerus isthmius compared with Sphyrna media

Key Differences

• Lesser Capybara is Data Deficient while Scoophead is Critically Endangered.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Lesser Capybara	Scoophead
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class	Mammalia (Mammals)	Chondrichthyes (Cartilaginous Fish)
Order	Rodentia (Rodents)	Carcharhiniformes (Ground Sharks)
Family	Caviidae	Sphyrnidae (Hammerhead Sharks)
Genus	Hydrochoerus	Sphyrna (Hammerhead Sharks)
Species	Hydrochoerus isthmius	Sphyrna media

Evolutionary Relationship

Lesser Capybara and Scoophead share a common ancestor at the Phylum level: Chordata. (Chordates)

Conservation Status

Lesser Capybara

DD — Data Deficient

Scoophead

CR — Critically Endangered

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Lesser Capybara	Scoophead
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.

Scoophead

Habitat

Found across multiple habitat types including tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests, and flooded grasslands and savannas, among 5 distinct biome types within the Neotropic biogeographic realm. Populations are also found in montane and highland environments at higher elevations.

Range

Found in Venezuela. Currently classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Shared Countries

Both species can be found in 1 countries:

🇻🇪 Venezuela