Chacoan Peccary

Scientific Name: Catagonus wagneri

Order: Artiodactyla

Family: Tayassuidae

Conservation Status

About

Chacoan Peccaries are the largest and least common out of the three species of peccary. They have special adaptations such as their kidneys and two-chambered stomachs, which can break down cacti and digest tough foods. They use their snouts to remove cacti spines and forage succulent plants to stay hydrated. Their scent glands on their backs give off a strong, musky odor, used to mark territory and identify individuals.

Until 1971, the Chacoan peccary was thought to be extinct. Only about 3,000 currently exist in the world, making them very rare and highly endangered. Their formerly isolated habitat disappeared due to ranches and hunting. Elmwood Park Zoo participates in the Chacoan Species Survival Plan, a shared conservation effort by zoos throughout the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Find me at EPZ

Location: North side of Zoo; Adjacent to giraffe/zebra enclosure

Arrived at EPZ: Yavi - Parsley - 2/09/2022; Chimi - 7/15/2022; Churri - 7/15/2022; Basil - 4/20/2023; Dill - 4/20/2023; Fennell - 4/20/2023; Clove - 4/20/2023

Habitat & Range
The Chacoan peccary is a species of peccary found only in the Gran Chaco region of Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina. The Gran Chaco is an enormous flat plain, spanning approximately 87 square miles, where temperatures are hot and rainfall is low.
Identification
The Chacoan peccary is covered in bristle-like fur that ranges in color from brown to charcoal gray. There is a black dorsal stripe which runs on to the tail and white across the shoulders and under the chin. The Chacoan peccary has many pig-like features, but most notable is the snout.
Diet
Chacoan peccaries primarily feed on various species of cacti. To remove the spines, they either roll the cacti on the ground with their snout, or pull them off with their teeth. Occasionally, they also eat acacia pods, bromeliad roots, or fallen cacti flowers.
Reproduction & Lifespan
Mating season for the Chacoan peccary has been linked to periods of food abundance and rainfall. Young are most commonly born between the months of September and December, after a 5 month gestational period. The average Chacoan peccary has a lifespan of 9 years.
Fantastic Fact
The Chacoan peccary varies from other peccaries from its lengthier ears, tail and snout. The Chacoan also has an extra hind toe, where as its relative peccaries only have one pair.

Chacoan Peccary

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact