The Paca (Cuniculus paca) is a large, terrestrial rodent native to the diverse ecosystems of Central and South America. This mammal can be found across a vast geographical range, extending from eastern Mexico down to Paraguay and northern Argentina. It is one of the largest rodents in the region, second only to the capybara in size. The Paca plays a role in seed dispersal and serves as prey for larger carnivores.
Physical Description and Unique Features
The Paca is a robustly built rodent with a large, blunt head and short legs, giving it a somewhat pig-like appearance. Adult lowland Pacas typically weigh between 6 and 12 kilograms and measure 60 to 82 centimeters in length, possessing a barely visible tail. Their body is covered in a coarse, reddish-brown or darker brown coat, immediately recognizable by its striking pattern: three to four horizontal rows of prominent white or yellowish spots extend along each side.
One of the Paca’s anatomical features is the structure of its skull, specifically the greatly enlarged zygomatic arch, which forms the cheekbone. This arch is expanded laterally, creating a hollow, bony chamber on the side of the face. This specialized structure functions as a resonating chamber, amplifying the rodent’s low, guttural vocalizations for communication. The forefeet have four toes, while the hind feet have five, featuring thick claws that resemble small hooves, which aid in digging.
Habitat, Diet, and Daily Life
The Paca inhabits a wide variety of neotropical forests, including tropical evergreen and cloud forests, ranging up to 3,000 meters in elevation. Its presence is strongly tied to water sources; it prefers riparian zones near rivers, streams, and swamps, often constructing burrows in dry banks or among tree roots. The Paca is a strong swimmer and readily enters the water, using it as an effective means of escaping predators.
As a strictly nocturnal and solitary animal, the Paca spends its days resting in burrows, which can be up to three meters deep and typically feature multiple entrances disguised with leaves. It emerges at dusk to forage, often following established paths through the forest undergrowth. Their diet is primarily frugivorous, consisting mainly of fallen fruits, but they also consume seeds, leaves, and tubers.
The Paca’s foraging habits make it an important seed disperser, influencing the composition and regeneration of the forest ecosystem. They often select high-energy foods like mangos or avocados, using powerful jaw muscles to break open hard-shelled fruits. Individual home ranges are relatively small, typically between 1 and 3 hectares, with activity shifting based on the seasonal availability of fruit.
Paca and Human Interaction
The Paca has a long-standing relationship with human populations across its range, primarily due to its highly prized meat. It is a favored game animal, often hunted for its tender, high-fat flesh, sometimes described as a combination of pork and chicken. In different regions, it is known by various local names, such as “gibnut” or “royal rat” in Belize, and “majás” or “lapa” elsewhere.
Intense hunting pressure has led to population declines in areas near human settlements, though the species is currently listed as Least Concern globally due to its wide distribution. In response to the demand for its meat, Paca farming, or zoocria, has emerged as a sustainable alternative in several countries, including Mexico and Costa Rica. This practice involves raising the rodents in captivity as a microlivestock source, providing a reliable food supply and reducing pressure on wild populations.