Peccaries

Peccaries are medium-sized, pig-like mammals native to the Americas, belonging to the family Tayassuidae. They are New World ungulates and are not true pigs (family Suidae). The most well-known living species are the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) and the white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari); a more distantly related member, the Chacoan peccary (Catagonus wagneri), belongs to its own genus but remains within Tayassuidae.

Distribution and habitat

Peccaries occupy a broad range across the Americas, from the southwestern United States to northern Argentina. The collared peccary generally favors arid to semi-arid habitats such as deserts, scrublands, and savannas, while the white-lipped peccary is more common in tropical forests and humid regions. They prefer areas with fruit-bearing vegetation, but their omnivorous diet allows use of roots, tubers, seeds, invertebrates, and occasional small animals.

biology and behavior

Peccaries are highly social and commonly form groups that range from a few individuals to several dozen. They use scent glands on their rump to mark territory and maintain group cohesion through vocalizations and coordinated movements. They are primarily ground-foragers and travel in trails, often using cover to avoid predators. Reproduction varies by species and region, but females typically give birth to a small litter after a gestation of several months, with the young cared for within the herd.

Conservation status

Most peccary species are of Least Concern to near-threatened, though several populations are affected by habitat loss and fragmentation. The Chacoan peccary is endangered, reflecting its restricted range in the Gran Chaco. Disease outbreaks and hunting pressure can also impact local populations.