Overview
The male and female are similar in size. This species is much larger than the collared peccary and is dark brown or black with white all around the upper lip and lower jaw.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Tayassuidae
- Genus
- Tayassu
Habitat
Tropical forests, both moist and dry. Distribution- Northern parts of South America (excluding the Andes mountains) as far south as northeastern Argentina. Also throughout Central America and extending into southern Mexico.
Diet
Omnivores, eating whatever is available in the rainforest.
Behavior
Highly gregarious, in herds of up to 100 or more. More aggressive than the collared peccary, and with a larger proportion of meat in its diet. May take the offensive against predators if attacked. Less sedentary then the collared peccary. Both diurnal and nocturnal. In some areas, shares habitat with the collared peccary.
Hunting
Hunting is mainly done by sitting in blinds at water holes located in the jungle.
Conservation Status
Listed as Vulnerable by IUCN. Because this animal inhabits the Amazon, there is significant concern about habitat degradation, along with other issues.