Lowland paca

Scientific Name: Cuniculus paca

Order: Rodentia

Family: Cuniculidae

Conservation Status

About

Lowland Pacas (also known as the spotted paca) are related to guinea pigs, capybaras, and agoutis. Their coat is reddish-brown to darker brown and covered in rows of white spots down each side. Pacas are tailless animals with short legs and feet and a large head. They are nocturnal so they forage at night, following established paths to feed on foliage, roots, nuts, seeds, and fruits. During the day, they remain in their 6 foot burrows built in banks, slopes, or among tree roots or rocks and located beside streams and ponds. When danger approaches, they use their excellent swimming abilities to escape predators, remaining underwater for several minutes. Predators include foxes, ocelots, maned wolves, cougars and jaguars.

Find me at EPZ

Location: In the Wetlands across from our alligator exhibit

Arrived at EPZ: Peppito and Picasso - 11/30/2021

Habitat & Range
The rainforests of Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Paraguay.
Identification
Body length ranges from 20 to 30 inches. Pacas weigh between 13 and 30 pounds with males a bit larger than females.
Diet
They are herbivores, eating fruit, nuts, tubers, leaves, roots, stems, and seeds.
Reproduction & Lifespan
Their lifespan is estimated at 12 years. Pacas live in monogamous pairs. Females may have two litters a year with one offspring born at a time.
Fantastic Fact
Paca are also known in Belize as "gibnuts" and they are also known as "the royal rat".

Lowland paca

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact