# Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) in the City: Understanding Urban Coexistence, Management Strategies and the Animal Welfare Implications

## TL;DR

Capybaras are becoming common in Brazilian cities, and public awareness of their risks can influence support for management strategies.

## Contribution

The study shows how public knowledge affects attitudes toward capybara management and supports integrative frameworks like One Welfare.

## Key findings

- Capybaras are present in all neighborhoods of Florianópolis and are generally viewed positively.
- Public awareness of risks like disease transmission and traffic accidents increases support for population management.
- Lethal control remains unpopular despite increased risk awareness.

## Abstract

Capybaras are increasingly common in urban areas of Florianópolis, Brazil, raising concerns about public health, sanitation, and human–wildlife coexistence. We surveyed 1505 residents to map capybara distribution, assess public perceptions, and evaluate whether information about urban risks influences support for management actions. Capybaras were reported in all neighborhoods and were generally viewed positively, often described as attractive or charismatic. However, awareness of associated risks, such as tick-borne diseases and traffic accidents, was limited. After receiving information about these issues, participants rated the risks as more important and showed increased support for population management, although lethal control remained unpopular. These results highlight the role of public knowledge in shaping attitudes toward wildlife management and support the use of integrative frameworks, such as One Welfare, to promote ethical and socially acceptable strategies for urban coexistence.

In Brazil, the presence of capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) in urban environments has raised concerns due to ecological, sanitary and coexistence challenges. This study investigates the growing presence of capybaras on Santa Catarina Island, Brazil, exploring their integration into urban areas. We interviewed 1505 residents of the Island to understand capybara distribution, public perceptions and associated risks. Beliefs about management strategies were also assessed. The findings reveal that capybaras are present in all neighborhoods of Florianópolis, the sole city in the Island. Participants expressed positive views of capybaras, describing them as “beautiful” and “cute” and showing concerns for their well-being in urban environments. Despite these positive perceptions, participants demonstrated limited knowledge about capybara biology (88%) and potential problems, such as disease transmission (37%), traffic accidents (10%), pet conflicts (56%) and garden damage (42%). Most respondents agreed with the statements: “Capybaras are part of nature and should be left undisturbed, even in urban areas” (70%) and “It is important for people to see capybaras in the city, as long as their population is not causing problems” (82%). After risk awareness, more participants rated these issues as highly relevant: disease transmission (97%), destruction of urban gardens (77%), pet incidents (92%) and traffic accidents (98%). This led to greater acceptance of population control, though elimination remained unpopular. Sociodemographic factors influenced opinions. Addressing knowledge gaps can foster ethical, supported management strategies. This case places Florianópolis within a broader South American phenomenon of urban capybara conflicts, highlighting the global challenge of managing human–wildlife interactions in cities.