14 Unique Behavioral Patterns of Capybaras - The 14th Will Amaze You

5. Territorial Communication

Capybaras' territorial marking habit consists in sophisticated chemical communication systems much beyond the ability of most rodent species. Males employ their particular scent glands to designate territory boundaries, social hierarchies, and reproductive status. These marks build a complex olfactory map that supports territorial limits and social cohesiveness. Studies have found that these chemical signals include particular information about the person's age, social level within the group, and health state.

The marking behavior follows exact patterns; dominant males mark more often during breeding seasons. Research on capybaras suggests a remarkable long-term memory for chemical signals as they can identify and react to marks left by people they haven't come across for several months. Their territorial communication is sophisticated in that it includes particular marking sites that act as information centers for several groups, therefore forming a network of chemical communication that preserves social order over more extensive geographic areas.