Lowland Pacas (Cuniculus paca) are the second largest rodent species in Brazil. They inhabit humid environments, along running waters in tropical forests. Terrestrial and nocturnal animals, Lowland Pacas live in holes on the ground, usually building escape emergency exits to their burrows. They are swift runners, excellent swimmers, and great climbers. When threatened, Lowland Pacas dive into rivers or lakes, not only because they are able to hold their breath underwater for lengthy periods of time but also because they are able to reach underground air pockets only accessed through the water. Their teeth never stop growing, which makes them gnaw on hard tree trunks to control excessive teeth growth. Weighing from six to 15 kg, Lowland Pacas possess excellent smell, hearing, and vision skills. They can walk up to 14 km a night in search of fruits, leaves, vegetables, seeds, and roots. Very shy animals, Lowland Pacas avoid unknown paths and clear nights with a full moon. Lowland Pacas live an average of 15 years.

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