Chacoan Peccary – Catagonus wagneri

Habitat: Chacoan peccaries are restricted to the Gran Chaco region, spanning parts of western Paraguay, southeastern Bolivia, and northern Argentina. They thrive in hot, arid thorn forests and low-lying shrublands characterized by low rainfall and dense, prickly vegetation.

Adaptations: This species is well adapted for the harsh Chaco environment. They possess large, complex nasal sinuses that help filter out dust and conserve moisture in the dry air. Their feet are slim, allowing them to navigate through thick, thorny brush where larger animals might get stuck. Additionally, they have a specialized digestive system and tough mouth linings that allow them to consume prickly pear cacti, spines and all.

Diet: Their diet is primarily herbivorous, consisting largely of cacti, roots, and fruit. Under human care, they receive a combination of veggies, greens and some grain (similar in concept to what a horse might consume).

Fun Fact: The Chacoan peccary lives in a group called a ‘squadron’ which can consist of up to 20 individuals. They are extremely gregarious, demonstrating a variety of vocalization and postures to communicate within their social group.