Species MammalsLowland Paca

Lowland Paca

Cuniculus paca

Very rareMammal
Illustration of Lowland Paca (Cuniculus paca)

The Lowland Paca is a large, spotted rodent of tropical forests with a robust body, short ears, and rows of white spots on its sides for camouflage in dappled forest light. It is a strong swimmer and digs burrow systems near water. Pacas are important dispersers of large-seeded tropical trees and serve as a major prey species for ocelots, pumas, and caimans in Neotropical forests.

Habitat
Tropical forests near water in Mexico and Central America
Diet
Fruits, roots, seeds, and tubers
How common
Very rare

Not certain it is a Lowland Paca? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Lowland Paca sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Lowland Paca? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Lowland Paca is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love mammals? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More mammals

Lowland Paca
Lowland Paca
Cuniculus paca
Magdalena Rat
Magdalena Rat
Xenomys nelsoni
Mantled Howler Monkey
Mantled Howler Monkey
Alouatta palliata
Margay
Margay
Leopardus wiedii
Margay
Margay
Leopardus wiedii cooperi
Marsh Rabbit
Marsh Rabbit
Sylvilagus palustris
Marsh Rice Rat
Marsh Rice Rat
Oryzomys palustris
Masked Shrew
Masked Shrew
Sorex cinereus