Pacarana, or false paca, is a species of rodent in the pacarana family that inhabits the rainforests of Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and Peru. Pacarana habitats are located on steep mountain slopes, overgrown with dense forests. Pacarana have a body length of approximately 70 cm and weigh up to 15 kg. They have a tail up to 20 cm long.
Despite their size, pacarans are calm and slow on the ground, but easily climb trees where they hide during the day. They are nocturnal, relying on their sense of smell and sensitive paw pads to find food. Packarans feed on fruit, leaves, and the tender shoots of young plants. When eating, they often sit on their hind legs and use their forelegs to send treats into their mouths.
Pacarans have an elaborate communication system by which they communicate with each other. They make hiss-like sounds, tapping their teeth and front paws with varying frequency and melody. Pacarans prefer to live alone, but can form family groups consisting of a breeding pair and their children.
The pacarana was first seen in 1872 in a small town in Peru, but for a long time it was not mentioned anywhere. The Latin name of the pacarana is Dinomys branickii, which translates to “Branicki’s terrible mouse.” Although the pakarana is still an understudied species, scientists are actively working to increase knowledge about it.
The lifespan of the pacarana in the wild is unknown. In captivity, they live to a maximum of 10 years.
The pacarana is a unique animal that has yet to be fully studied. It has many interesting features that attract the attention of scientists and wildlife enthusiasts.
