Lesser Capybara vs Smooth hound

Hydrochoerus isthmius compared with Triakis maculata

Key Differences

• Lesser Capybara is Data Deficient while Smooth hound is Critically Endangered.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Lesser Capybara	Smooth hound
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	Triakidae
Genus	Hydrochoerus	Triakis
Species	Hydrochoerus isthmius	Triakis maculata

Evolutionary Relationship

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

Conservation Status

Lesser Capybara

DD — Data Deficient

Smooth hound

CR — Critically Endangered

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Lesser Capybara	Smooth hound
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.

Smooth hound

Habitat

Found across multiple habitat types including temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, temperate grasslands and steppes, and montane grasslands and shrublands, among 5 distinct biome types within the Neotropic biogeographic realm.

Range

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