A large, stocky rodent found in Central and South America, ranging from southern Mexico all the way down to northern Argentina. It is the most widespread member of its genus and is instantly recognizable thanks to its distinctive coat pattern—rows of bright white spots and stripes running along its dark brown body, making it look like a polka-dotted forest creature. The Lowland paca is one of the largest rodents in the Americas, second only to its more famous cousin, the capybara. Despite its size, it is a shy and secretive animal, spending much of the day hidden in burrows and only emerging at night to feed.
One of the Lowland paca’s standout traits is its close connection to rivers and streams. This rodent is a strong swimmer, and its burrows are often dug into riverbanks, with at least one underwater exit as an escape route from predators. When threatened, the paca will dive into the water and can remain submerged for several minutes, surfacing only when it feels safe. This clever survival strategy sets it apart from many other rodents that rely purely on speed or camouflage.
Diet is another area where the Lowland paca plays an important ecological role. It is primarily an herbivore that feeds on fruits, seeds, roots, and tubers. Thanks to its strong jaws and large teeth, it can crack open tough shells and rinds that smaller animals avoid. By eating fruits and scattering seeds, pacas act as forest gardeners, helping trees and plants regenerate. They often forage quietly at night, following the scent of ripe fruit that has dropped to the ground, and sometimes even stash food in their burrows for later. This makes them an important link in tropical ecosystems, balancing plant growth and supporting the forest’s diversity.
Distribution
Algeria
Argentina
Belize
Bolivia
Brazil
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Ecuador
El Salvador
French Guiana
Guatemala
Guyana
Honduras
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Trinidad & Tobago
Uruguay
VenezuelaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
