: Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are positioned high on their heads, allowing them to remain nearly entirely submerged while keeping a watchful eye on predators.
The name capybara comes from the Tupi language, meaning "one who eats slender leaves," but its scientific name literally translates to "water pig". This is a nod to their semi-aquatic lifestyle:
: They possess partially webbed feet, making them superb swimmers capable of holding their breath for up to five minutes.
Capybaras are highly social animals that typically live in herds of 10 to 20, though groups can swell to 100 during dry seasons when water is scarce.