Title
Ranging behavior and population dynamics of the Chacoan peccary, Catagonus wagneri
Author(s)
Taber A.B., Doncaster C.P., Neris N.N., Colman F.H.
Published
1993
Publisher
Journal of Mammalogy
Abstract
Stable groups of the endangered Chacoan peccary in the Paraguayan Gran Chaco averaged 4.5 individuals. Two intensively tracked groups used ranges of 1095-1551 ha (minimum-convex polygons). Animals were active from dawn to dusk, with variations due to season, individual, and temperature. They travelled on average 2.2 km/day, not always returning to the same night-rest position. Ground cacti on which they fed were aggregated in infrequent patches scattered within their habitat of thorn forest. Daily ranges averaged 18.25 ha and were used on c42-day cycles. Core areas were associated with cactus patches. Mutual avoidance between groups was indicated by low overlap of home ranges and the presence of scat stations. A dispersing group of one male and one female occupied three temporally and spatially discrete ranges, and moved 4.6 km over 9 months. The study area contained 0.43 individuals/km2. The population was in decline, with an annual mortality of 47%, probably low survival of young, a single farrowing season during the year, and a probable age of 2 yr for first reproduction. Implications of these results for conservation of the species are discussed. -from Authors
Keywords
activity pattern; cactus; Chacoan peccary; home range; movement; peccary; population dynamics; thorn forest; Paraguay, Gran Chaco; Catagonus wagneri
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the WCS Library to request.
![]()
Back
PUB13010