Chacoan Peccaries
Once thought to be extinct until they were “discovered” by scientists in 1975, peccaries are often presumed to be pigs, although the two species are not closely related. Zoo Knoxville is one of only 21 zoos where you can see this species.
Did You Know?
Habitat
Savanna
Lifespan
9
Years
Conservation
Endangered
Weight
66-88
pounds
Location
Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay
The Chacoan Peccary occurs in areas of low rainfall and high temperature and is restricted to the driest parts of the Gran Chaco biome. The prime habitat for the species is thorn forest characterized by trees with a dense shrub and a ground cover of bromeliads and cacti. Chacoan Peccaries lick and eat mineral-rich soil from naturally occurring salt licks and leaf-cutter ant mounds.
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