Paca
Agouti paca occurs from east-central Mexico south to Paraguay. Pacas live in forested habitats near water. They prefer small swift streams to larger rivers.
Paca
Agouti paca fur is coarse and there is no underfur. The upper body is dark brown or black and usually has 4 longitudinal rows of white spots on the sides. The belly is white. The forefeet have 4 digits and the hind feet 5 digits. The zygomatic arch is expanded laterally and dorsally and is used as a resonating chamber. This is a unique feature among mammals.
Reproduction
The details of paca reproduction are somewhat vague. In parts of Mexico mating may occur principally in winter, but in Colombia there is no indication of seasonal mating. Single young are usual and twins are rare. There is some evidence for two litters per year. Gestation has been reported to last 118 days. In Colombia females begin to reproduce at around 1 year.
Behavior
Pacas are solitary and little interaction occurs between individuals. Pacas do not vocalize very much. Burrows are simple tubes and are usually about 2 m below the surface. Pacas are nocturnal, leaving the burrow at night along pathways to water and feeding grounds. Pacas are good swimmers and will usually try to escape danger via water.
Food Habits
Pacas are herbivorous; their diet includes leaves, stems, roots, seeds, and fruit. Apparently avocados and mangos are favored by pacas. In captivity they should be offered a complete diet of rodent lab blocks, and rat or mouse mix, with bits of fruit or veggies regularly. Cheerios or wheat bread are great treats, in small quantities. Do NOT feed chocolate, fried foods, salted foods, candy or junk food! They may enjoy crickets and mealworms if they are captive bred, never feed wild insects as they may carry parasites. Vitamins, like Nutri-Cal are a good addition to their diet, and added calcium during nursing and growth due to demands on their systems at those times, but take care not to overdo it. Water bottles should be used to proved constant, clean water. Ceramic or stoneware food dishes work well for keeping seeds or fresh foods off the floor, and a wire mesh hopper that allows them to eat the lab blocks through without extra waste.
