Dicotyles tajacu

Description

This pig-like animal stands 1½ to 2 feet high at the shoulder, is 2 to 3 feet long, and weighs 30 to 50 pounds. It has coarse, grizzle hair that is either blackish-gray or brownish-black in color, and is distinguished from other peccaries by its gray, white or yellowish collar.

Peccaries have hooved feet, with three toes on each hind foot. Although they look somewhat like feral pigs, their upper tusks point downward, while those of feral pigs are curled.

A large gland on the back, about 8 inches in front of the tail, gives off small amounts of strong musk if the animal isexcited. The musk, which can be smelled from hundreds of feet away, is also used to mark territory.

Distribution and Habitat

The collared peccary ranges from Argentina into the southwestern United States. It is most commonly found in brushy desert areas and rocky canyons, usually near water source, but can also live in wet and dry rain forests, grasslands and deciduous forests.

Reproduction

A dominant male will mate with any female in the herd, but if more than one female is in heat subordinate males may mate as well. Breeding occurs at any time of the year. Gestation takes about 5 months. Females usually give birth to twins, but single births are not unknown. The young have reddish to yellow-brown coats with a black stripe down the back. They can travel with the herd within a day, and are weaned at 2 or 3 months.

Diet

Peccaries are omnivorous, meaning they will eat almost anything. Most of the diet consists of vegetable matter, including cacti, roots, plant bulbs, grass shoots, fruits, nuts, berries, and mushrooms. Grubs and eggs are also eaten, as are the occasional lizard, snake, insect, and even carrion.

Behavior

Peccaries travel in bands of from a few to several hundred individuals, with most herds averaging 6 to 30 animals. They are shy, timid animals, and will flee from danger whenever possible. They will fight viciously with their sharp teeth if cornered, however.

Peccaries are territorial, and will defend their territories against intruders with fighting if necessary.

Peccaries are nocturnal.

Scientific Classification

phylum Chordata
subphylum Vertebrata
class Mammalia
order Artiodactyla
family Tayassuidae
genus & species Dicotyles tajacu

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