The paca is a rodent found across Central and South America, known for its unique appearance and habits. These creatures play a role in their ecosystems, contributing to forest health.
Defining the Paca
The paca, scientifically classified as Cuniculus paca, is a large, ground-dwelling rodent. It is the sole genus within the family Cuniculidae. Pacas measure between 50 to 77 centimeters (20 to 30 inches) in length and weigh from 6 to 14 kilograms (13 to 31 pounds).
Its coarse, bristly fur lacks an undercoat. Their coloration ranges from reddish-brown to dark gray, adorned with three to five distinct rows of white spots along their sides, often forming horizontal lines. Another unique physical feature is their enlarged zygomatic arch, a bone structure in the skull that functions as a resonating chamber. Pacas possess stout bodies, large heads with swollen cheeks, small ears set high on their heads, and barely visible tails. Their forefeet have four toes, and their hind feet have five, with thick claws that resemble small hooves.
Habitat and Diet
Pacas are native to the Neotropics, ranging from northeastern Mexico through Central America and into northern Argentina and southern Brazil. They primarily inhabit tropical forests, often found at elevations from sea level up to 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). These rodents strongly prefer areas near water sources, such as streams, rivers, and swamps, often constructing burrows in nearby banks.
As herbivores, pacas primarily consume fallen fruits. Their diet also includes leaves, stems, roots, seeds, and tubers. They show a preference for high-energy foods such as mangos and avocados. Pacas use their powerful jaw muscles to crack open hard-shelled fruits that other animals might not be able to access.
Paca Behavior and Lifestyle
Pacas are predominantly nocturnal animals, emerging from their burrows at night to forage. During the day, they rest and sleep in burrows, which they either excavate themselves or occupy from other animals. These burrows can be simple, extending about two meters below the surface, and typically feature multiple escape exits, which pacas often camouflage with leaves.
These rodents are solitary, though mated pairs may associate. Pacas possess acute senses of hearing and smell, which aid them in navigating their environment and detecting potential threats. When faced with danger, pacas exhibit defensive behaviors, often fleeing towards water, where they are excellent swimmers and can remain submerged for up to 15 minutes. They follow established paths through their territory and can create new ones if old routes are disturbed.
Conservation Status and Ecological Role
The paca is classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population globally. However, local populations can face threats from habitat loss and fragmentation due to human encroachment. Hunting also poses a threat, as paca meat is considered a delicacy in many parts of its range, leading to increased hunting pressure.
Pacas play a role in their ecosystems as seed dispersers. By consuming fruits and dispersing seeds through their waste or by burying them for later consumption (scatter hoarding), they contribute to forest regeneration and the maintenance of plant diversity. Their burrowing activities also benefit the ecosystem by aerating and mixing the soil, and their abandoned burrows provide shelter for other creatures. Pacas serve as a food source for predators: jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and boa constrictors, contributing to the food web dynamics.