White-lipped Peccary
The White-lipped Peccary Tayassu pecari is a species of peccary, a type of wild pig, native to the rainforests of Central and South America. It is known for its white fur around its mouth and its powerful, straight tusks, which it uses for digging and for defense.
The White-lipped Peccary is a highly social animal that lives in large herds, or "sounders," which can number in the hundreds. The White-lipped Peccary is a true "rainforest engineer," as its digging and foraging habits help to shape the forest floor and to disperse seeds. Its diet consists of a wide variety of fruits, roots, and invertebrates.
The White-lipped Peccary is a vulnerable species, facing threats from habitat loss and hunting. The White-lipped Peccary's role as a rainforest engineer and its social behavior make it a fascinating and important animal.
White-lipped Peccary
Classification
Mammalia > Artiodactyla > Tayassuidae > Tayassu > T. pecari
Native To
Conservation Status
Average Height
1.5 - 2 feet
(0.4 - 0.6 m)
Average Weight
60 - 90 lbs
(27 - 41 kg)
Average Life Span
10 - 15 years
Gestation Period
158 days
Did You Know?
The White-lipped Peccary is a pig-like mammal found in Central and South America.
They live in large herds, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, which helps them defend against predators like jaguars.
White-lipped Peccaries are important seed dispersers in their forest habitats.
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