Chacoan Peccary
Scientific Name
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Order
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Estimated Wild Population
More Information
Physical Description
Chacoan peccaries are pig-like mammals with bristly, brown-gray fur; tough, leathery snouts; a strong jaw and tusks used for crushing seeds and slicing plant roots; and scent glands on their ridged back that give off a strong, musky odor. Weighing 65–95 pounds, they are the largest and least common of the three peccary species. Chacoan peccaries get much of their water from succulent plants and vital minerals from salt licks, and occasionally eat roots, seed pods, and flowers. They live in herds of up to 10 individuals.
Interesting Fact 1
Chacoan peccaries have specialized kidneys that break down cactus acid, and their two-chambered stomach is well-suited to digest tough foods.
Interesting Fact 2
Their back produces a milky, odorous substance that helps them mark their territory and identify other individuals.
Interesting Fact 3
Before eating cactuses, peccaries remove the spine by rolling them on the ground with their tough snout.
Species Survival Plan®
We cooperate with other members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to manage the zoo population of this species through a Species Survival Plan®.
Commitment to Care
Lincoln Park Zoo prioritizes individual well-being over everything else. Guided by scientific research, staff and volunteers work to provide the best welfare outcomes for each individual in the zoo’s care.
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Wish List
The Wish List is full of one-of-a-kind items for the zoo’s animals, including nutritious snacks and enrichment items to keep them active and healthy.
Take Action With Us
Wildlife face many daunting challenges—some global, like planet-wide climate change, and some that affect individuals, like an animal ingesting plastic—but now is not the time to despair. None of these problems are too big for us to come together and solve.
