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Pacarana
Pacaranas are the third largest living rodent with a head and body
length ranging from 730-790mm and a tail length of about 190mm. Pacaranas have upper parts that are typically dark
brown or blackish with two discontinuous white stripes along the
back and a few rows of white spots down each side. The ears are relatively short and curved, the upper
lip has a deep cleft, and pacaranas have many long, greyish
whiskers. The feet are plantigrade and there are four digits on each
foot, each with a long and powerful claw.
Reproduction
Little is known about the reproductive characteristics of this
species. Pacaranas in captivity have a gestation period of 222-283
days, and the female usually gives birth to no more than two young. Each young weighs about 900g and shows considerable activity
and curiosity about its environment within just a few days of birth
(White 1992). Weaning period and age of sexual maturity are not
known, but the life span of captive pacaranas can be over nine
years. It also seems that pacaranas "cry" in the breeding season to
attract sexual partners, and males approach females in a bipedal
position during courtship.
Behavior
In captivity, pacaranas are noticeably calm, non-aggressive, and
peaceful animals. They appear to be
mainly nocturnal and do some climbing, but are predominantly
terrestrial. Pacaranas are usually solitary or found in pairs. There seems to be an elaborate communication system
consisting of a combination of foot stamping with fore paws, tooth
chattering, whines, songs, and hisses. When feeding, they commonly sit on their hind legs and hold
the food between the fore paws. There is still not
enough known about their life in the wild. Scientists are not
certain whether the long claws of this species are mainly for
digging or for climbing because captive pacaranas have not been
observed to dig.
Food Habits
Pacaranas mainly feed on fruits, leaves, and stems of plants.
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.
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Pet Rats, Mice, Gerbils, Jirds, Voles,
Lemmings and other Rodents
Other rodent pages you might be interested in:
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