Mammals
White-lipped Peccary
Tayassu pecari
Through an Amazonian forest a herd of white-lipped peccaries rattles its tusks and crashes through the undergrowth, hundreds strong, rooting up fruit and seeds on the move.
Overview
The white-lipped peccary, Tayassu pecari, is a Vulnerable herd animal of the forests of Central and South America. Its large herds, tooth-clacking alarm calls, and role as prey for jaguars and pumas make it one of the most important large mammals of New World forests.
A herd that shapes the forest
As a herd of white-lipped peccaries moves through the forest, it roots up soil, eats seeds, and feeds big cats, so its loss ripples through the whole community.
Status
Vulnerable, with a decreasing population.
White-lipped Peccary: common questions
Why is it called the white-lipped peccary?
It has a band of white around its lips and chin against a dark coat.
How large are white-lipped peccary herds?
Herds can number in the hundreds, covering large areas in search of food.
Why does the white-lipped peccary clack its teeth?
It makes a loud clacking sound with its teeth and tusks as an alarm or threat.
Where is the white-lipped peccary found?
It lives in forest from southern Mexico through Central America to northern Argentina.