6. Vocal Communication System
Capybaras have a significantly more varied vocal range than formerly known from research. At least twenty different vocalizations are used by these animals, each with particular context and significance. Their system of communication consists in warning cries, greetings, signs of submission, even particular vocalizations for collective movement coordination. Young capybaras pick up these several sounds by a mix of instinct and social learning; adults actively teach appropriate use by modeling and corrections. Maintaining group cohesiveness and social harmony depends critically on the sophistication of their vocal communication, which compares with that of several primate species.
