Pacarana

Pacarana, endangered rodent that inhabits rainforests on the eastern slopes of the Andes mountains in South America. The pacarana is one of the largest of all living rodents, surpassed only by the capybara and the beaver. Fossil evidence shows that the extinct ancestor of the pacarana, called Telicomys, was the largest rodent that ever lived, sometimes reaching the size of a small rhinoceros.

The pacarana’s range extends from north-western Venezuela to western Bolivia. It inhabits highland regions up to elevations of about 2,000 m (6,600 ft), preferring mountain valleys and lower slopes covered with rainforest vegetation.

These large rodents can reach nearly 80 cm (32 in) in length, in addition to a fur tail that is 20 cm (8 in) long. They weigh up to 15 kg (33 lb). Their bodies are covered with coarse, brown or black fur, with white stripes and spots marking the back, sides, and rump. Pacaranas have rounded snouts with long whiskers, small ears, and short legs with long, sharp claws on the feet. Their overall appearance resembles that of a large guinea pig, but they also have been described as spineless porcupines. They climb trees well but move with a slow, clumsy gait on the ground.

The pacarana's diet is made up of plant material, such as fruit, leaves, and stems. While eating, the pacarana sits up on its haunches, like a squirrel or prairie dog, to examine and then hold its food. It is believed to be active primarily at night.

Pacaranas take shelter in rock piles, crevices, or underground burrows, but they have also been observed sleeping in trees. Females give birth to one or two young after a gestation lasting up to 280 days (about 9 months), which is unusually long for a rodent species. Because pacaranas make a number of different vocalizations, including growls, hisses, and whimpers, scientists suspect that they have highly developed social behaviours. Pacaranas that have been captured for study seem to be peaceful and good-natured.

Pacaranas are among the many animal species whose existence became endangered before scientists were able to study them in the wild. The primary threats to their survival are habitat destruction and hunting by human beings for use as food. They are also preyed upon by jaguars and other carnivores.

Scientific classification: The pacarana is the only member of the Dinomyidae family in the order Rodentia. It is classified as Dinomys branickii.