The Cassava is a large rodent indigenous to South America and distantly related to the Capybara. The Cassava lives in the tall grasslands that border rivers, streams and lakes in tropical South America and Panama. It is never found far from water and is an excellant swimmer which will often leap into water to escape from predators. The Cassava has a broad head, a blunt, horse-like nose, small ears and coarse yellowish-brown hair. Its legs are fairly short and its toes are webbed and have hoof like claws.. The Cassava is a gentle creature and will make a low clicking sound when it is happy. The Cassava eats the succulent stems of tall grasses and aquatic plants. When finished eating the Cassava will lie in the sun on the river bank, relaxing. The Cassava is the only rodent that lives in small herds and they can generally be found in herds of ten consisting of a male with two or three females and their babies.