Spotted Paca

Cuniculus paca

The spotted paca (Cuniculus paca), also called the lowland paca, lapa, or gibnut in parts of its range, is a large nocturnal rodent from Mexico through much of tropical South America. It has a stocky body, short legs, small ears, and rows of pale spots and stripes along a brown coat. Pacas usually live near forest streams or wetlands, sheltering in burrows by day and foraging at night for fallen fruit, seeds, leaves, and other plant material. Their heavy skull and strong teeth suit a diet that can include hard fruits.

People most often encounter spotted pacas through hunting, wildlife farming, rescue facilities, or zoo collections rather than as ordinary pets. In tropical small-scale production, they may be raised for meat under permit, but they need quiet, secure pens, shaded retreat areas, and enough moisture to prevent stress and overheating. They are usually nervous animals that do best with limited handling. Breeding is slow compared with many rodents, with small litters and heavy maternal investment, so responsible management accounts for welfare, local regulations, and pressure on wild populations.