Large, tailless, nocturnal, burrowing rodent, related to the agoutis. The paca, about 60 cm/2 ft long, is native to Central and South America. (Genus Cuniculus, family Dasyproctidae.)
The number of stripes changed frequently until around 1800. Red, white, and blue became the colours of liberty and an inspiration for other revolutionary flags around the world. Effective date: 19 February 1937.