11. Wetland Ecosystem Services
By their everyday activities and behaviour, capybaras offer vital ecosystem services in wetland settings. Their movement patterns create small channels and stop too great accumulation of vegetation that would change water flow, therefore preserving wetland hydrology. Many other species depend on the unique vegetation structure that their grazing activities in wetland environments assist to preserve. Their fertilising effects and patterns of soil disturbance help to maintain the health of wetlands. Their mobility and habitat utilisation help to preserve the connectivity among several wetland sites. Studies have shown that wetlands with good capybara counts usually exhibit superior ecological value and offer more ecosystem services than areas devoid of them.
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