PECCARIES. 443 



An altogether unique feature in these animals is the presence of a large gland 

 in the middle of the back, from which is secreted in great abundance a most evil- 

 smelling oily substance. In appearance, peccaries are not unlike small hogs but 

 with very slender limbs ; they are devoid of any externally visible tails, and their 

 snouts are much elongated and extremely mobile. Their ears are small and 

 pointed ; and their bodies are covered with thick bristle-like hairs, elongated into 

 a mane on the neck, and forming a fringe on the throat and hind-quarters. The 

 young are uniformly-coloured, like their parents, and never exceed two in number 

 at a birth. 



Of the two well-defined species, the collared peccary (Dicotyles 

 tajacu) is the smaller, and has the most northerly habitat, its range 

 extending from Arkansas and Texas to the Rio Negro in Patagonia. This species 

 stands from about 13 J to 15 \ inches in height at the shoulder. The bristly hairs 

 are parti-coloured, and the general hue of the pelage is blackish brown, becoming 

 yellowish brown mingled with white on the flanks. The under-parts are brown, 

 and the upper part of the chest white, while a broad yellowish white stripe runs 

 from the hinder part of the shoulders obliquely downwards to the chest. 



The white-lipped peccary (D. labiatus) is a rather larger species than the last, 

 its height at the shoulder varying from 15 J to nearly 18 inches. It is further 

 distinguished by the presence of a large white spot on the lower jaw, and the white 

 lips ; the general colour of the hair being greyish black. There is also a difference 

 in the mane and fringe on the neck of the two species. The range of the white- 

 lipped peccary is comparatively small, including only the region lying between 

 British Honduras and Paraguay. 



All peccaries are essentially forest-dwelling animals, but whereas 

 the collared peccary is found only singly or in pairs, or in small 

 parties of from eight to ten individuals, the white-lipped species associates in large 

 herds, of which the members may be numbered by scores. Moreover, there is a 

 marked difference in the disposition of the two species, the former being a 

 harmless and inoffensive creature, whereas the other is comparatively fierce, and 

 not unfrequently inflicts severe wounds with its tusks. Indeed, when a herd of 

 these animals is encountered in the forest, the hunter frequently has to seek 

 protection by climbing a tree. Both species frequent only the densest and most 

 extensive forests, dwelling either in the hollows of trees, in burrows excavated by 

 other animals, or among bushes and grass ; and in parts of South America they 

 ascend in the mountains to heights of between 3000 and 4000 feet above the sea. 

 The herds or parties are under the leadership of an old boar. Peccaries wander 

 about both during the day and at night ; and when food is scarce they make long 

 migrations in search of it. Their chief food consists of fruits and roots ; and their 

 teeth and jaws are of such strength as to enable them to crack with ease the hard 

 seeds of palms. In inhabited districts peccaries inflict much damage on growing 

 crops ; and, in addition to roots and fruits, they are by no means averse to varying 

 their diet with carrion, worms, or insects. Their flesh is not much esteemed ; and 

 it is essential that immediately the animals are killed, the ill-smelling gland on the 

 back should be removed, as otherwise the flesh will become tainted. As a general 

 rule, but a single young one is produced at a birth, two being comparatively rare. 



