Green Capybara Isn't a New Species
The Claim
A video depicts a new species of green capybara.
News posted on
Emerging story
The claim went viral after wildlife photographer Bruno Brack posted a video with the caption that the green capybara, or “Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris viridis,” was a recently discovered new species.
Social media users responded with excitement and delight at the prospect of the new species.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar’s investigation found that, unfortunately, there is not a new green-hued species of capybara. After his tweet took off, Brack posted a second tweet clarifying that the capybara in question were covered in duckweed and algae and thus were not signifiers of a newly discovered species.
The capybara, which can grow up to 140 pounds, is the largest living rodent in the world. It is internet-famous for its ability to get along with almost any other kind of animal.
Here’s a video of capybaras in a hot tub, just because.
