While capybaras are not indigenous to Italy, there have been instances where these animals are kept in zoos or private collections within the country.
They require specific conditions to maintain their health and well-being, conditions that animal caretakers carefully replicate in Italy.
Outside of controlled environments like zoos, capybaras are not widely found in the wild in Italy or Europe, as the continents do not offer the natural conditions needed for their survival and are not adapted to these ecosystems.
Capybaras in Italy
Capybaras are not native to Italy, and sightings are uncommon. They mainly reside in South American habitats but can be found in Italian zoos and sanctuaries.
Presence of Capybaras
There are no established populations of capybaras in the wild in Italy. Sightings are typically linked to escaped individuals from captivity. No reports suggest the establishment of capybara communities within the country’s ecosystem.
Natural Habitats
Capybaras thrive in semi-aquatic environments. Italy’s diverse ecosystems, from the Po river valleys to the wetlands of Maremma, could theoretically support capybaras. Still, they are not found in these environments in the wild due to being a non-native species.
Zoos and Sanctuaries
Italy’s zoos and wildlife sanctuaries offer habitats for capybaras, where they receive care tailored to their needs.
The public can see capybaras in places like Bioparco di Roma and Zoom Torino, which are part of educational exhibits.
They are maintained in enclosures replicating their natural habitat, typically including a water source.
Legal Status and Import Regulations
In Italy, the capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is not a native species, and its import is regulated under the European Union’s regulations concerning invasive alien species. The import of capybaras into Italy is subject to EU Regulation No 1143/2014 on preventing and managing the introduction and spread of invasive alien species.
Capybaras are classified as exotic animals. Individuals seeking to import capybaras must obtain a special permit from the Ministry of the Environment.
The permit application process requires thorough documentation, including the source of the capybara, the reason for import, and the containment measures to be employed by the importer.
These regulations also involve compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Italy is a signatory. Since capybaras are not listed on any CITES appendices, their trade is less restricted but must still comply with CITES regulations:
- Pre-Import Requirements: A certificate of origin and a health certificate from the exporting country.
- Post-Import Quarantine: A mandatory quarantine period in a government-approved facility.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Special Permit | Application to the Ministry of Environment |
| Documentation | Source, Purpose, Containment Measures |
| CITES Compliance | Certificate of Origin, Health Certificate |
| Quarantine | Mandatory post-importation period |
Importers should note that Italy also enforces the Animal Health Law (Regulation (EU) 2016/429), which reinforces the need for disease monitoring and provides specific guidelines for the health and welfare of imported animals. Any individual or entity failing to comply with these regulations could face legal penalties, including fines and confiscation of the animals.
