Cuniculus paca
lowland paca
(Also: paca)

Agouti paca occurs from east-central Mexico south to Paraguay.

Pacas live in forested habitats near water. They prefer small swift streams to larger rivers.

Agouti paca fur is coarse and there is no underfur. The upper body is dark brown or black and usually has 4 longitudinal rows of white spots on the sides. The belly is white. The forefeet have 4 digits and the hind feet 5 digits. The zygomatic arch is expanded laterally and dorsally and is used as a resonating chamber. This is a unique feature among mammals.

The details of paca reproduction are somewhat vague. In parts of Mexico mating may occur principally in winter, but in Colombia there is no indication of seasonal mating. Single young are usual and twins are rare. There is some evidence for two litters per year. Gestation has been reported to last 118 days. In Colombia females begin to reproduce at around 1 year.

Pacas are solitary and little interaction occurs between individuals. Pacas do not vocalize very much. Burrows are simple tubes and are usually about 2 m below the surface. Pacas are nocturnal, leaving the burrow at night along pathways to water and feeding grounds. Pacas are good swimmers and will usually try to escape danger via water.

Pacas are herbivorous; their diet includes leaves, stems, roots, seeds, and fruit. Apparently avocados and mangos are favored by pacas.

Pacas are killed for their meat, which has an excellent flavor and commands the highest prices of all meats--domestic or wild--at market.

Pacas are considered agricultural pests, sometimes causing damage to yam, cassava, sugar cane, corn and other crops.