Collared Peccary

Pecari tajacu

Collared peccaries, also called javelinas, are related to pigs, but are actually in a family of their own called Tayassuidae. They are found throughout much of the tropical and subtropical Americas, ranging from the Southwestern United States to South America. They feed on fruits, roots, tubers, palm nuts, grasses, invertebrates, and small invertebrates.

Fun Facts

• Collared peccaries can form bands of up to 12 individuals!
• Peccaries walk on the middle two toes of the foot.
• The Mayans were known for keeping herds of peccaries to use them for rituals and food.
• The collared peccary is the smallest of all peccary species.