The Collared Peccary (Tayassu tajacu) resembles domestic pigs, but with a stubby tail (measuring 1.5 – 3cm) and only three toes on its hind legs. Collared peccaries belong to the Tayassuidae family and have ancient origins in the Americas. In contrast, domestic pigs belong to the Suidae family and have ancient origins in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
An adult T. tajacu typically measures about 1 meter in length and weighs around 30 kg. They have coarse, bristly hair that is dark brown, and a distinctive white collar of hair around their shoulders. Collared peccaries are known for their strength and agility, capable of running quickly and swimming well. Their canine teeth can grow between 3-3.5 cm in length and are very sharp. While they have poor eyesight, their hearing is keen. Adult peccaries have a tuft of hair that runs from the top of their head to their hindquarters, which often stands erect when they are agitated.
On their backs, they possess a gland that secretes a strong odor. Despite their smell, these animals are quite clean, unlike domestic pigs or wild boars. In desert environments, they use sand to clean themselves. When near water, they frequently bathe to cool off and to chase away insects that cling to their skin.
Adult males and females are similar in size and color, while juveniles have a coat that is brown with a hint of yellow.
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Agave Plant |
Collared peccaries (T. tajacu) typically live in groups of 10 to 20 individuals, with some herds numbering up to 36. Each herd has a feeding area that ranges from 0.5 to 8 square kilometers, marked by a distinct scent that delineates their territory from that of other herds.
These groups consist of members of various ages, including both males and females. They eat, sleep, dig, and forage together. Among their kind, they exhibit strong social bonds and do not engage in fighting or aggression. Older and weaker members often seek quiet areas to die.
In summer, collared peccaries forage only during cooler times, such as early morning and late evening, resting under bushes or rocks during hot hours. In winter, they are more active and search for food throughout the day.
Collared peccaries primarily consume plant matter, with a particular fondness for Agave plants and Opuntia cacti. They also eat larvae, insects, and small animals. Their ability to consume tough, fibrous foods is attributed to their unique digestive system, which includes a three-chambered stomach and relies heavily on bacteria to aid in food digestion.
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Opuntia Cactus |
Female collared peccaries begin to breed when they reach two years of age. After a gestation period of 142-149 days, a female leaves the herd to find a safe place to give birth, seeking shelter from predators to protect her newborn. Typically, a litter consists of two piglets. Newborns weigh around 0.45 kg and can stand and run within hours. They return to the herd with their mother within one day and nurse for about eight weeks. Previous litters also assist the mother in caring for their younger siblings.
Families of collared peccaries with young may sometimes become aggressive towards humans. If one member of the herd is injured or being chased, the entire group may unite to confront the threat.
When in danger, collared peccaries can run at speeds of about 40 km/h, evading many predators. However, they will fight fiercely if cornered. When faced with a stronger enemy, they scatter in all directions, while the leader typically stays behind to fight, sacrificing itself to give the others a chance to escape.
There are many stories that have led inexperienced hunters to mistakenly kill collared peccaries out of fear. These exaggerated tales often amplify the perceived ferocity of collared peccaries, leading many to believe they pose a danger to humans and livestock.
In reality, in confrontations between collared peccaries and dogs, peccaries often emerge victorious, with dogs frequently suffering severe injuries or death. However, this occurs only if the dog attacks first, forcing the peccary to defend itself. Generally, collared peccaries are harmless to humans and domestic animals. They mainly consume grass and small creatures. Similar to bears and many other animals, collared peccaries become friendly towards humans when frequently fed by them.
In the wild, the natural enemy of the collared peccary (T. tajacu) is the Cougar (Puma concolor).
Collared peccaries are often captured and domesticated by local communities. They are commonly fattened by Native Americans in Central and South America for their meat. Their meat is a rich source of protein, their skin is used for various products, and their bones and teeth are crafted into tools and decorations.
Collared peccaries are distributed from the southern United States to Brazil, and in the wild, they have a lifespan of approximately 10 years. Under human care, they can live up to 24 years.
