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Collared peccary

Pecari tajacu

Female collared peccary at Paignton Zoo
IUCN Conservation Status –
Least Concern
Extinct In The Wild
Class: Mammals
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Tayassuidae

Paignton Zoo is home to an all-female group of peccaries.

Collared peccaries are native to tropical forest and grasslands across much of Central and South America. They are very territorial and social animals.

Their diet is mainly herbivorous, including roots, nuts and fruits.

Interesting facts!

  • These pig-like mammals are in fact not pigs at all! Currently, this species is recognized as a member of Tayassuidae family, rather than the Suidae family that includes pigs, hogs and boars.
  • This species gets its name from the white hairs around their neck that form a ‘collar’ shape.
  • A peccary’s jaws contain extremely sharp teeth that they chatter when threatened.

Conservation

The collared peccary is currently classed as being of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However throughout their range, these animals are currently facing loss of their forest habitat.