A South American rodent, also known as the paca, that lives in forests and is related to the guinea pig.
From Tupi (indigenous South American language) 'kunyi' or similar indigenous terms. The word entered European languages through contact with South American peoples during colonial exploration.
The paca can hold its breath underwater for up to 20 minutes and makes distinctive clicking sounds—these abilities helped early naturalists distinguish it from similar rodents and gave it special status in local hunting traditions.
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