Cuniculus paca

(Linnaeus, 1766)

Vernacular names
English : Lowland paca
French : Paca

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Rodentia
Family : Cuniculidae
Notes : Between 3 and 5 subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 77 cm in length for a weight of 14 kg. Short limbs with powerful claws, very long square head. Short hairs with a shiny appearance. Coloration is reddish-brown with rows of white spots on sides. Belly is white.

Range and habitat
The species lives in Central and South America, from south-east Mexico to Colombia, Venezuela and Guianas, south to Southern Brazil and Uruguay. Lives in all kinds of forests, including disturbed forests, mangroves, up to 2000 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix III
Status : The species is still widespread and common but, in parts of its range, it is now heavily threatened by loss of habitat and relentless hunting.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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