Lowland Paca (Cuniculus paca)
also known as the spotted paca, the lowland paca is a large species of cuniculid rodent that occurs from east-central mexico to northern Argentina. Lowland pacas are mostly nocturnal and solitary. They typically inhabit areas near water as they are good swimmers. Like other rodents C. paca feeds mostly on roots, leaves, fruits, seeds and other plant matter.
Although Cuniculus paca is currently listed as least concern it is considered an agricultural pest and its meat is highly prized causing its numbers to be greatly reduced. It is still plentiful in protected habitats and is not in danger of extinction.
Animalia-Chordata-Mammalia-Rodentia-Cuniculidae-Cuniculus-C. paca
Images: Rogel Baptiste and Hans Hillewaert