Cuniculus paca
Mammal rodent found throughout Brazil. The meat of this animal, which can reach up to 22 pounds in weight, is considered one of the tastiest among game. It was consumed by the native Indians way before the arrival of Portuguese, and was also included on the menu of the colonizers. It has a pinkish hue, similar to suckling pig meat, and a skin full of collagen. Ham, chops and ribs are the most used cuts, prepared in several ways. The product should be purchased only from breeders certified by Ibama (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources).
