eo Specimens average: total length, 425 mm; tail, 50 am,; hind foot, 
Dieters cena south to northwestern Costa Rica, 
ew~Pacific coastal plain and central highlands from sea level to 
10,000 feet elevation, Not kmown to occur ia Peten cr the Caribbean Jowlande, though a speci- 
men has been taken near Zacapa, 
Hebitet.--Prush lands, savannahs, open farn country, and both dry and somewhat moist woodlands. 
Habite.--The habits of the cottontail are not unlike those of the jack rabbit (io. 30). 
Hunting.--From the standpoint of sport, this is the acst important rabbit occurring in Guate- 
mala; yet, unfortunately, it is hardly noticed by bunters, It has excellent sporting qualities, 
lying in concealment until the hunter is hear, then bounding away in an amasing burst of speed, 
presenting a fine target for the small bore rifle. Also, it can be Imnted with hounds, Ite 
meat is delicious and is utilized to a considerable extent by Indians, Rabbite are often 
common in regions where more desirable larger game is scarce or absent. This is particularly 
true of many parte of the highlands, ‘Thus, this animal holds an important place on Guatemala's 
list of neglected game mammals, 
Remarke.~-Guatemalan races are: agtecus in the Pacific lowlands and up to 2,000 feet, 
a bon guia eacamay from 2,000 feet to 10,000 feet, and in the Caribbean lowlands down to 700 feet 
elevation, 
32. 
Nemes,—Latin: Sylvilacus gabbi 
Guatemalan: Conejo 
English: Forest rabbit 
Description.--A small rabbit, with typically long ears and long hind legs, no visible tail, 
and very dark coloration: buffy burnished with reddish black on the upper parts and white 
on the under parts, 
Distinguishing charecteristics.-—-Long ears, dark coloration, and absence of visible tail, 
Measurements.--One from San Jose measured: total length, 395 mm.; hind foot, 80 mm; ear, 
51 mn, 
General distribution,--Vera Cruz and Oaxaca, south to Pananf, 
Distribution in Guatemala.—-lowlands of both coasts, and up to 5,000 feet elevation. 
Habitat.--Humid tropical forests and heavily forested mountain slopes; heavy undergrowth. 
Habjts.--Similer to those of the other rabbits. 
Funting.--Since it occurs in areas where larger game is generally abundant, it is of no great 
importance as a game mannel, 
Remarke.~-The Guatemalan race is truei. 
33. 
Names.--Latin: Teavassy talacu 
Guatemalan: Coche de monte 
English: Collared peccary 
Description. --A short legged, robuet, pig-like mammal with long tusks, hoofed feet, short 
ears, short tail, coarse hair, and general grayish coloration, with a lighter colored collar 
completely encircling the neck, 
Distinguishing characteristics.--Pig-like form; gray coloration with whitish collar, 
Measyrements,--Adults average: total length, 890 mm.; hind foot, 190 mm.; weight, 50 1b. 
General distribution.-~Southern Texas and México, south through Central America to Patagonia, 
e .--lowlands of both coasts, Petéh, and in the highlands up to 6,000 
feet elevation. Common, . 
Habitat.--Forests and brush lands. 
Habits.-~-Peccaries resemble domestic swine in many respects. They feed on a great variety 
of vegetable and animal food; root in the ground in search of food, leaving characteristic 
patches of uprooted earth; make grunting and squealing sounds; and travel in packs. They 
are gaid to be ferocious and dangerous when wounded, and often the whole pack comes to the 
aid of the wounded member. Normally, however, they are shy and timid and make off rapidly 
at the approach of humans. Often the young are captured and kept as pets by the natives, 
Half-grown young were observed near Sen José in late March end early April. 
Eunting.--The peccaries are amoung the best of the Guatemalan game mammals. They have many 
good sporting qualities. They are of large size, they are wary, not usually offering easy 
shots, they are dangerous when wounded, and give a good chase when pursued by hounds, There 
should be a restriction against the shooting of young or females accompanied by young in 
order to preserve the abundance of the species, 
155 
