A heated debate has erupted in Argentina over a plan to control the growing capybara population with contraception.
The number of animals native to the area has been increasing. They sometimes fight among themselves or with local dogs, which has caused concern among residents.
More than a thousand capybaras roam freely in Nordelta, a wealthy district near Buenos Aires. “The capybaras themselves are not the problem,” a neighborhood association spokesperson told El Pais. “But when they fight with each other or with dogs, it can lead to traffic accidents and other issues.”
Since 2020, residents have noticed a sharp increase in the capybara population. With no natural predators in the neighborhood, their numbers are rapidly growing.
Each female can give birth twice a year, sometimes having up to eight offspring per litter. To slow their reproduction, local authorities planned to inject 250 capybaras with two doses of contraceptive medication.
Opposition capybara contraception plan
Heavy rains have delayed the contraception program, but the proposal has already sparked strong reactions. A group called Carpinchos Nordelta – Somos Su Voz (Nordelta Capybaras – We Are Your Voice) opposes the plan, arguing that there was little consultation with residents.
They suggest alternative solutions, such as creating wildlife corridors or protected areas.
Argentina’s National Scientific and Technical Research Council (Conicet) is also involved. Although they are overseeing the program, they did not initially recommend contraception.
Instead, they propose a different approach. They want to perform vasectomies on five dominant male capybaras in the area.
Meanwhile, environmental activists argue that no action should be taken against the capybaras. They are calling for laws to protect the animals’ habitat and prevent further urban development in the area.
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