THE COPA-BARA

A capybara, the mascot  for the 46th Copa America 2019, is known as Zizito, which is hunted in Brazil for its meat, fur and fatty skin oil used in the pharmaceutical industry! Its a big guinea pig! It pays homage to Zizinho, a Brazilian striker who shares the Copa goal scoring record of 17 goals in the tournament. Brazil hosts the tournament this year. and the final is to be held at the Maracana.

CONMEBOL (the continent's version of UEFA) organises the  tournament which takes place every other year and sometimes over longer gaps, depending on World Cup dates etc. This year it is Brazil's turn to host, having had the honour in the first competition in 1916 with just 4 countries. This year they will host in Rio, Sao, Belo, Porto, Salvador(o).
The South American nations taking part are:
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil (hosts), Chile (holders, having beaten Argentina on penalties), Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela.
The Copa Americo Centennial Trophy designed in Epico Studios USA, made by Thomas Lyte Co in London and presently held by Chile, who have won it in the last two competitions and never before.

The Copa (then known as the South American Championship) was first played for in 1916 with four teams, and has been won by the following nations: Argentina 14 (won the first), Uruguay 15, Brazil 8, Peru 2, Paraguay 2, Chile 2, Bolivia 1, Colombia 1. (45)
Argentina and Uruguay have dominated the competition especially from the early days with Brazil gradually having an influence.