The collared
peccary, or javelina, evolved in South America
and migrated north, only recently arriving
in Arizona. Peccary bones are not found in
Arizona archaeological sites and early settlers
made infrequent references to their occurrence.
It's possible that the peccary spread simultaneously
with the replacement of Arizona's native
grasslands by scrub and cactus. The collared
peccary has one of the greatest latitudinal
ranges of any New World game animal, occurring
from Arizona to Argentina. The range of the
peccary is still expanding, primarily northwestward.
The collared peccary, which occurs in the
United States only in Arizona, Texas, and
New Mexico, currently occupies approximately
34 percent of Arizona with an estimated population
of 60,000 animals.
Life History
Adult javelina generally weigh 35 to 60 lbs, the male being slightly heavier
than the female. New born javelina weigh about one pound. They are tan
to brownish in color with a reddish dorsal stripe. They acquire adult coloration
at three months. The salt and pepper appearance of adults is due to whitish
bands on the black hairs. These hairs are up to six inches long, with the
mane being blackest, longest, and erectile. In the winter, the coat is
very dense and dark and the "collar" is visible. In summer, the
javelina sheds hair. The shorter hairs are lighter and the collar frequently
is not visible.
Javelina continue to grow until they reach adult height in about 10 months.
At this age, the javelina are sexually mature. Being of tropical origin,
peccaries are capable of breeding throughout the year, the only wild ungulate
in the western hemisphere with a year long breeding season. This long breeding
season, early maturity, and the ability to have two litters in one year
gives them the greatest reproductive potential of North American big game.
Breeding peaks in January, February, and March. After a 145-day gestation
period, most births occur in June, July, and August. This peak corresponds
with the maximum rainfall period. Two is the most common number of young.
Unlike other animals, the javelina does not lick the offspring at birth,
but rolls or tumbles it. The young are precocial, following their mothers
shortly after birth and are usually weaned at six weeks.
While javelina have lived to 24 years in captivity, the average life span
is closer to seven or eight. Predation on javelina is common from mountain
lions and bobcats. Coyotes and golden eagles are effective predators of
juvenile javelina.
Since javelina are found in so many habitats, its natural that their foods
should vary. Javelina are opportunistic feeders. Eating flowers, fruits,
nuts, berries, bulbs, and most succulent plants. Prickly pear cactus makes
up the major portion of the diet. Hunt History
Javelina were not legally designated as big game until 1929, when a season
from November 1 through January 31 was authorized and a bag limit of one
javelina a year was imposed. Hunter interest gradually increased, particularly
among non-residents, and the javelina became an important game animal in
Arizona after World War II. By 1950, hunters were purchasing nearly 10,000
javelina tags and taking more than 1,000 animals a year. In 1959, an archery
javelina season was initiated, and by 1971 more than 30,000 hunters were
harvesting more than 6,000 javelina a year. This pressure was deemed excessive
in some game management units, and permit-only firearm hunting was instituted
in 1972. To further curtail hunt pressure and better distribute hunters,
permit-only HAM (handgun, archery, and muzzleloader) hunts were initiated
in 1974, and archery hunting was limited to permit-only hunting in 1992.
In 1999, 12,580 firearm permits, 7,760 HAM permits, and 9,220 archery permits
were authorized, resulting in a harvest of 6,363 javelina.
Behavior
Javelina are herd animals with herd sizes averaging 8 to 9 animals. Territories
are set up using droppings and the dorsal scent gland to mark these areas.
Aggressive displays will be made to intruding javelina. Territory size
varies with the productivity of the habitat, but averages about 750 acres.
Summary
Breeding
Period: Year
Round
Young
Appear: Year
Round
Average
Number of Young: 2
Distribution: 1K-6K
ft,mostly south of Mogollon
Rim
Habitat: Desert,
chaparral, and oak-grasslands
Food
Preference: Cacti,
insects, fruits, and
seeds in season
Habitat
