Over 1,000 of the World’s Largest Rodents Are Taking Over a Luxury Gated Community

In the luxurious gated community of Nordelta in Buenos Aires, Argentina, an unexpected issue has arisen – a population explosion of capybaras, the world’s largest rodents. Initially a unique and unproblematic presence in the neighbourhood, the capybara population has swelled to over 1,000, causing concerns among the 45,000 residents of the community. Having tripled in numbers over the past few years, the capybaras are now creating various problems as they roam the area.

According to reports from The New York Times, the surge in the capybara population occurred during the pandemic when people spent more time indoors, allowing the rodents to thrive in the wetlands that Nordelta was built upon. While the capybaras are native to the region, the rapid growth in their numbers has led to debates within the community about how to manage them effectively. Some residents view the animals as invasive and potentially dangerous, particularly due to their large size, reaching up to 130 pounds.

Pablo Pefaure, a representative of the neighbourhood, expressed concerns about the capybaras posing a risk to pets and children, as well as causing damage to gardens and being involved in traffic accidents. This has prompted the community to consider ways to address the issue, with the government proposing a plan for vasectomies on some capybaras. However, Nordelta has initiated a different approach by experimenting with a contraceptive vaccination program using a drug called Improvac on a group of 250 animals to test its effectiveness in controlling the population.

While a majority of residents reportedly approved the sterilization plan, dissenters like Veronica Esposito and Silvia Soto argue against it. Esposito pointed out that the capybaras primarily eat plants, which can regrow, and has not experienced any issues with her dog. Soto, on the other hand, believes in preserving the animals’ habitat by exploring alternative options such as creating a nature reserve and biological corridors. She emphasised the importance of coexisting with the capybaras rather than resorting to sterilization.

The debate over the capybaras in Nordelta reflects broader discussions on wildlife management and urban development. As the community grapples with balancing the conservation of local fauna with the needs of its residents, differing opinions on how to address the capybara overpopulation highlight the complexities of human-wildlife cohabitation. By exploring various solutions and considering the long-term implications of each approach, Nordelta aims to find a sustainable way to manage its unique rodent residents while preserving the ecological balance of the area.