paca

The paca, aka spotted paca, is a large rodent that hails from Central and South America, and have been introduced to Cuba. They prefer to dwell in tropical evergreen and subdeciduous forests, but can tolerate a wide range of habitats; as long as they’re near a water source. Due to their wide range and stable numbers these rodents are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

First the Stats… Scientific name: Cuniculus paca Weight: Up to 29 lbs. Length: Up to 30 inches Lifespan: Up to 12.5 years

Now on to the Facts! 1.) While slow to move on land, they are skilled swimmers.

2.) Pacas are nocturnal (active at night).

3.) They are typically very aggressive towards other members of the same sex and are also not too fond of other animals, especially agoutis .

4.) These critters can sometimes be found in small family groups consisting of a mated pair and their offspring.

5.) Pacas both build their own burrows and occupy abandoned burrows left behind by other animals. The burrows are always near water.

But wait, there’s more on the paca! 6.) They love the water so much that they will not only retreat to the water when frightened, but they will also even breed in water.

7.) Their preferred diet is that of fruits and various vegetation. Thus making them a frugivore (eats fruit) and a folivore (eats leaves).

Did you know…? Pups are born mostly precocial (covered in fur and eyes open).

8.) The paca is monogamous (mates for life).

9.) Females undergo up to a 119 day gestation (pregnancy) that yields 1 – 2 pups.

10.) Cougars and jaguars prey on pacas.

Now a Short Paca Video!

Be sure to share & comment below! Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel . Videos added frequently!

Want to suggest a critter for me to write about? Let me know here .

Learn more about all kinds of cool critters, right here ! toolTips('.classtoolTips14','

Gestation is the process of carrying or being carried in the womb between conception and birth. In other words, pregnancy.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips18','

Organisms that are nocturnal are active at night. Animals that fit into this category are typically prey animals that rely on the cover of darkness as a defense. Granted, there are no shortage of predators at night. Some organisms adopt a nocturnal lifestyle due to climate issues. Many desert dwelling animals are nocturnal as it is simply cooler outside at night. Aardvarks , badgers , bandicoots , and aye-ayes are just some examples of nocturnal creatures.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips21','

An animal that is hatched or born in an advanced state and able to feed itself almost immediately is called precocial. Some examples are snakes , lizards , ducks , horses , and deer .'); toolTips('.classtoolTips25','

A creature that is frugivorous feeds exclusively on various types of fruit. These critters fall into the herbivore category. Some examples of frugivores are: fruit bats , the maned wolf , sparrows , and more.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips30','

A folivore primarily eats leaves. They seldom, if at all, eat anything else. These types of critters typically have a very slow metabolism and also move slower to save energy, as their diet doesn\'t provide much nutrition.

Some animals that fall into this category are: koalas , sloths , and pandas , to name a few.');

paca

The Peculiar Paca