The Tayassuidae family includes the peccaries, a group of pig-like hoofed mammals native to the Americas. Although they resemble true pigs (family Suidae), peccaries are a distinct evolutionary lineage with notable anatomical and behavioral differences. They play an important ecological role as seed predators and dispersers and are especially prominent in tropical and subtropical ecosystems.
Appearance
Peccaries are medium-sized, stocky mammals with features adapted for rooting and defense:
- Compact, muscular bodies with relatively short legs
- Coarse, bristly hair, usually gray, brown, or black
- Short snouts ending in a tough, flexible nose disk
- Sharp canine teeth (tusks) that project downward rather than outward
- Small tails, often barely visible
They are generally smaller and more compact than true pigs, with a straighter facial profile.
Diet
Members of Tayassuidae are omnivorous, though plant matter dominates their diet. Common food items include:
- Fruits and seeds
- Roots and tubers
- Cacti (especially in desert species like the collared peccary)
- Leaves and stems
- Insects, small vertebrates, and carrion (occasionally)
Their digestive systems allow them to process tough, fibrous plant materials.
Habitat
Peccaries occupy a wide variety of habitats across the Americas, including:
- Tropical rainforests
- Dry forests and scrublands
- Savannas
- Deserts
- Wetlands
They are highly adaptable and can live in both dense forest cover and open environments, provided sufficient food and shelter are available.
Behavior
Peccaries are known for their strong social behavior, typically living in groups that range from small family units to large herds. Notable behaviors include:
- Cooperative defense, forming tight groups to face predators
- Scent communication using dorsal scent glands
- Vocalizations such as grunts, barks, and tooth clacking
- Diurnal or crepuscular activity, depending on climate and disturbance
Females give birth to one or two young, which are able to follow the group shortly after birth. Group cohesion is critical for protection and foraging efficiency.
