Collared Peccary

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu) in Limón Province, Costa Rica

Essential Information

• Scientific Name: Pecari tajacu

• Category: Mammal

• Description: Medium-sized, pig-like animal with a distinctive white collar around its neck

• Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests, savannas, and scrublands of Limón Province

• Best Season to See: Year-round, but more active during early morning and late afternoon

• Locations in Limón: 📍 Tortuguero National Park, 📍 Cahuita National Park

Physical Characteristics

• Size: 90-110 cm (35-43 inches) in length

• Weight: 20-30 kg (44-66 pounds)

• Lifespan: 8-10 years in the wild, up to 12 in protected areas

• Distinctive Features: White collar around neck, pig-like snout, small hooves

Behavior and Ecology

• Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on fruits, roots, tubers, and small animals

• Social Structure: Live in groups called "herds" or "sounders" of 6-30 individuals

• Activity Pattern: Primarily active during dawn and dusk (crepuscular)

• Communication: Use various vocalizations, including grunts and barks

• Ecological Role: Important seed dispersers and soil aerators

Reproduction

• Mating System: Polygynandrous (both males and females have multiple partners)

• Gestation Period: About 145 days

• Litter Size: Typically 1-3 piglets

• Parental Care: Piglets are precocial and can follow the mother shortly after birth

Interesting Facts

• Collared Peccaries have a distinctive musky odor used for communication and marking territory

• They have a symbiotic relationship with capuchin monkeys, often foraging together

• Unlike pigs, peccaries have complex stomachs that allow them to digest tough plant material

• They are considered a "keystone species" due to their important role in seed dispersal and soil aeration

• Peccaries have sharp tusks used for defense and foraging

Conservation Status and Threats

• IUCN Status: Least Concern, but populations are declining in some areas

• Main Threats: Habitat loss, hunting, and competition with livestock

• Conservation Efforts: Protected in national parks and reserves in Limón Province

Cultural Significance

• Important game animal for indigenous communities in Limón Province

• Featured in various Central American folklore and traditions

Viewing Tips for Tourists

• Best observed during early morning or late afternoon hikes in Tortuguero or Cahuita National Parks

• Look for signs of rooting or tracks near water sources

• Listen for their distinctive grunts and snorts

• Maintain a safe distance and respect their space

• Consider joining guided tours for better chances of spotting them

Helpful items to check out

1. Compact Binoculars: Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 Binocular - Perfect for spotting collared peccaries in dense forest areas. These binoculars offer excellent low-light performance, which is ideal for observing these crepuscular animals during early morning or late afternoon tours.

2. Waterproof Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe - Essential for trekking through the humid forests and potentially muddy trails, especially Manzanillo, of Limón Province where collared peccaries are found. These boots provide comfort and protection in various terrains.

3. Field Guide: The Wildlife of Costa Rica: A Field Guide - This comprehensive guide includes information on collared peccaries and other wildlife you might encounter. It's a valuable resource for identifying and learning about the animals you see on your tour.