Pacas are medium-sized mammals with sturdy bodies, short limbs, and elongated fingers. They have four toes on their front feet and five on their hind feet.
from 6 to 12 kg
between 60 and 80 cm
16 years
Important data
MAIN FEATURES
Pacas are found across Brazil, close to water. They sleep in the dry part of burrows they dig. They are usually grayish-brown or brownish-red. They measure between 60 and 80 cm and weigh from 6 to 12 kg.
TOP THREATS
Losing their habitat, hunting, and hit-and-run.
DIET
Pacas are herbivores, easting fruit, seeds, shoots, and tubers.REPRODUCTION
The female generally starts to reproduce at one year old. Gestation lasts approximately 118 days, and the offspring are weaned at 21 days.BEHAVIOR
● Terrestrial in forests and the cerrado (Brazilian savannah).
● Territorial and solitary animals, despite sometimes living in pairs.
● When pursued, they escape to water, diving long distances.
● Nocturnal.
TRIVIA
If angry, they emit a loud, low-pitched sound. They are creatures of habit and when they find a source of food, they always eat at the same time, leaving only when the source is depleted.
Geographical distribution
