Commonly known as javelina, the collared peccary is found in various regions of New Mexico, Texas and Arizona which is the farthest northern reaches of the species range. They are found throughout Central and South America, however, as far south as Argentina. Though commonly thought of as a pig species, they are actually of a different family than pigs.
Some major differences include the javelinas' feet, which contain fused bones and less toes than a pig's. They also have straight canines, scent glands and complex stomachs, which pigs lack. Only pigs have gall bladders and sweat glands. Pigs also have longer tails then their evolutionary cousins.
NPS Photo.
The omnivorous javelina can adapt to a wide range of habitats, thanks to it's variable diet.They eat roots, fruits, buds, shoots and stems, in addition to grass, nuts, seeds, lugumes and agave. A particular favorite is prickly pear cactus pads, which are not only delicious and nutritious, but provide the animals with their main source of water throughout the year. They will even eat meat if it is easily accessible.
Javalina live in groups- typically between 5 and 30 individuals -hiding in caves, canyons and scrub during the heat of the day and foraging at dawn and dusk, or even nocturnally if it is excessively hot. Most individuals are born in early summer, and will mature in less than a year. Females tend to have between 2 and 5 offspring, but most of these don't survive due to heavy predation. Javelina make a tasty meal for many a predator, including bobcats and cougars, wolves, coyote and bear.