IUCN: least concern

• Collared peccaries are named after the ring of white fur around their necks. In adults there is a mane that extends down the crown of the head to the rump, which is most obvious when the peccary is excited.
• They have complex stomachs that enable them to break down otherwise indigestible foods.
• Peccaries live in close knit family groups. Peccaries usually travel in a band from 6 to 12 although as many as 50 have been seen together.
• There are three species of peccary - the collared, spectacled and white-lipped.  They are also related to pigs, although they are classified in a family of their own.
• Both male and female are assertive and will defend their territory and their young. An adult peccary will confront a predator to attract its attention while the others escape.
• They are also called javelinas (Spanish for javelin or spear) because of their razor sharp tusks.
• Peccaries have a powerful musk gland on the top of the rump. Their odour is always apparent, especially when they are excited. You may smell a peccary before you see it.