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The White-lipped Peccary (WLP) is a large-sized mammal that lives in groups and needs large, preserved areas to survive. Over the last decades, the distribution area of the WLP has been reduced, being absent from areas where its occurrence is expected, such as the central region of southwestern Goiás, Brazilian Midwest. Therefore, here we presented eight new records of WLP in southwestern of Goiás state, with information on group size and landscape context. WLPs were recorded by camera trap, and we extracted the percentage of native cover (NC%), mean of Euclidean nearest-neighbor distance (MENND), and largest native patch area (LP (hectares)) in the landscape occupied by them. The WLP group size ranged from 1 to 52 individuals in anthropized landscapes (4.6 to 30.7 of NC%), with a MENND range of 89.4 to 165 m and LP ranged from 48.8 to 297.9. These findings could be an indication that the species is returning to use the region. However, we stress that this area may not support viable WLP populations in the long-term due to the level of anthropization of the studied landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Arqueologia is the property of Revista de Arqueologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) is considered a key species for its role as an ecosystem engineer. Given their important ecological function, there is a great concern in the scientific community regarding the many reports of disappearances or great abundance reductions throughout its distribution (from southern Mexico to northern Argentina). Based on an extensive survey effort, we report new data of presence of WLP after a period of no detections in the Argentine Yungas. The study was conducted in the Yungas ecoregion, provinces of Jujuy and Salta, Argentina. Data was collected from camera trap, direct sightings and footprints during 2013–2021. From a total of 30,186 trap nights, we obtained 8 WLP detections. There were no detections before 2017, while as of 2018 there was at least one camera trap record in each of the years. Additionally, opportunistic records were obtained yearly from 2019 to 2021. The period without detections could be related to a period of a population cycle, as suggested in different regions of America during the last century, being disease the most likely cause. These cycles generally follow a pattern of a rapid population decline, a period of absence or low abundance followed by slow population growth. We believe that if the trend continues and the number of detections increases, we could be facing the early stages of the increase phase in the WLP population cycle in the Argentine Yungas. This type of report is important to document and contribute to a better understanding of the WLP population cycle process.

The white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) is considered a key species for its role as an ecosystem engineer. Given their important ecological function, there is a great concern in the scientific community regarding the many reports of disappearances or great abundance reductions throughout its distribution (from southern Mexico to northern Argentina). Based on an extensive survey effort, we report new data of presence of WLP after a period of no detections in the Argentine Yungas. The study was conducted in the Yungas ecoregion, provinces of Jujuy and Salta, Argentina. Data was collected from camera trap, direct sightings and footprints during 2013–2021. From a total of 30,186 trap nights, we obtained 8 WLP detections. There were no detections before 2017, while as of 2018 there was at least one camera trap record in each of the years. Additionally, opportunistic records were obtained yearly from 2019 to 2021. The period without detections could be related to a period of a population cycle, as suggested in different regions of America during the last century, being disease the most likely cause. These cycles generally follow a pattern of a rapid population decline, a period of absence or low abundance followed by slow population growth. We believe that if the trend continues and the number of detections increases, we could be facing the early stages of the increase phase in the WLP population cycle in the Argentine Yungas. This type of report is important to document and contribute to a better understanding of the WLP population cycle process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How species persist in fragmented habitats is essential to understanding species resilience in response to increasing anthropogenic pressures. It has been suggested that expansion in dietary niche allows populations to persist in human‐modified landscapes, yet this hypothesis has been poorly tested in highly diverse ecosystems such as tropical forests where frugivory is ubiquitous. Here, we measured dietary niche expansion of a large forest‐dwelling mammal, the white‐lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil, by comparing its diet using stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes. We collected hair of white‐lipped peccaries in three continuous and three fragmented forests and compared δ13C and δ15N values, resource use and isotopic niches among populations and between forest types. We also tested the relationship between isotopic values of the populations and the forest cover percentage. White‐lipped peccaries fed mainly on forest sources (C3 resources), especially in continuous forests, but 28% of the individuals in fragmented sites also incorporated C4 resources to some extent. In fragmented forests, the populations had isotopic niches from 3‐ to 3.6‐fold the size of those in continuous forests. This niche expansion was due to the consumption of food items with higher δ15N values and C4 crops. Differences among populations were larger among fragmented forests, suggesting variable site‐specific strategies to cope with habitat loss. The mean isotopic values of white‐lipped peccary populations were negatively correlated with the loss of forest cover. Some small forest fragments might still retain relatively high habitat quality, and white‐lipped peccaries might be able to capitalize on such variety of resources, shifting their diets from those observed in continuous forests. We suggest that high dietary flexibility and dietary expansion toward consumption of non‐forest resources might facilitate the persistence of large frugivores in fragmented habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dominance hierarchies are typically stable, with dominants occupying central positions in social interaction networks. However, system perturbations, such as the removal of individuals, may cause instability, which varies according to the group's resilience. If the hierarchy undergoes a restructuring, this can occur through a dynamic process of self-organization (Social Dynamics hypothesis) or through the influence of individuals' attributes (Previous Attributes hypothesis). We analyzed the resilience of the white-lipped peccary hierarchy after the alpha's death and observed how the rise of a new dominant occurred. Additionally, we evaluated the validity of these two hypotheses in the restructuring of the system. We observed the group of white-lipped peccary males of the Municipal Zoo of Curitiba, PR, Brazil, from May to October 2018. We recorded and analyzed the agonistic and affiliative interactions, and we collected data from the attributes: weight, testicle size, testosterone serum and age, before and after the dominant's death (August). Due to this perturbation, the hierarchy started to show instability, but proved to be resilient. There was an increase in agonism and more than one individual pleading for the new dominant position, which was occupied by a subordinate male. Affiliative interactions were also important in the rise of the new alpha. The hierarchy was well ordered by the social dynamics among individuals, but weight and testicular volume were also correlated with the status of the individuals before, and with the serum testosterone after the alpha's death. Thus, both hypotheses affected the restructuring of this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biotropica is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mammals are important components of biodiversity that have been drastically and rapidly impacted by climate change, habitat loss, and anthropogenic pressure. Understanding key species distribution to optimize conservation targets is both urgent and necessary to reverse the current biodiversity crisis. Herein, we applied habitat suitability models for a key Neotropical forest ungulate, the white-lipped peccary (WLP Tayassu pecari), to investigate the effects of climate and landscape modifications on its distribution, which has been drastically reduced in Brazil. We used 318 primary records of WLP to derive habitat suitability maps across Brazil. Our models included bioclimatic, topographic, landscape, and human influence predictors in two modelling approaches. Models including all categories of predictors obtained the highest predictive ability and showed prevalence of suitable areas in forested regions of the country, covering 49% of the Brazilian territory. Filtering out small forest fragments (

White-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari) represent a key element of trophic networks in tropical rainforest ecosystems by playing the dual role of consumer and prey. Despite their importance, pressures on their populations have increased during the last few decades due to hunting and deforestation across its distributional range. These pressures may have led the remaining populations to move into new territories and to change their migratory and gregarious behaviour. In this study, we used photographic records from camera traps to collect data on biogeography of white-lipped peccaries in order to answer some questions about the demography, distribution and population size of the species in Ecuador’s western Amazonia. We present new altitudinal records for the species (2,000 metres above sea level), along with some notes on herd size and activity patterns. This information is valuable for obtaining a better understanding of the species distribution and population status in order to achieve better conservation plans.

Ambush predators rely on stealth to successfully secure prey. Mobbing is a rarely observed anti-predation strategy used by group-living prey species whereby several individuals distract or harass a predator until it either ends the pursuit or leaves the area. Herein, we present three unique cases of white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari) mobbing jaguars (Panthera onca) in the wild. White-lipped peccaries and jaguars co-occur within the study area, a large-scale ecotourism and working cattle ranch in the Brazilian Pantanal. Two cases of mobbing were recorded by video camera trap during routine surveys, and a third case was directly observed by one of the authors during telemetry triangulation of a GPS-collared individual jaguar. Our observations provide direct empirical evidence of antagonistic behavioral interactions between jaguars and white-lipped peccaries that have previously been limited to anecdotes within academic literature. We discuss the implications of this behavioral interaction for the proximate and ultimate fitness of both predator and prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of natural areas into agricultural land has increased human-wildlife interactions, often resulting in crop damage. This study focuses on the white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), which thrives in landscapes where well-preserved, naturally-vegetated public and private lands are juxtaposed with agricultural fields. We investigated the habitat use and selection of four herds of white-lipped peccaries in a landscape mosaic along the southern border of Emas National Park in the Cerrado biome of Brazil. Our findings reveal that white-lipped peccaries prefer both corn plantations and gallery forests as habitats. Through high-frequency GPS telemetry, we observed a strong tendency to turn when herds were in agricultural areas and gallery forests, indicating feeding behavior. On the other hand, they typically move in straight lines for long distances when traversing bare soil fields and native Cerrado vegetation, suggesting they are merely passing through these habitats. The extensive feeding on corn crops in agricultural fields has resulted in significant financial losses for producers, leading to a conflict between white-lipped peccaries and landowners. Understanding the movement dynamics of the species and their intensive use of both private and public lands can aid in the development of management strategies that minimize or eliminate crop losses while ensuring the survival of this vulnerable species in landscapes comprising agricultural fields and native habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild boars (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758), native to Eurasia and Africa, are one of the world's most widely distributed invasive species. Their impacts on terrestrial environments have been well documented, however little is known about their effects on aquatic environments. We used standardized physical habitat surveys to compare the use of streams by invasive wild pig and native white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari Link, 1795), and their effects on the physical structure from four first-order streams in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Two of these streams were used solely by wild pigs, while two were solely used by peccaries. Each stream was subdivided by cross-sectional transects into continuous sections, each 10-m in length, where we measured the intensity of use by each species and different variables related to the stream physical habitat. Although both species used the streams, wild pigs altered physical and environmental parameters more, and with greater intensity, than the native peccaries. Wild pigs decreased the stream bank angle and the riparian ground cover, leading to local erosion, increased fine sedimentation and wetted width, and declined stream depth. We recommend studies to evaluate the biological consequences of the alterations caused by introduced wild pigs, which should be conducted along with plans of population control in environments where the wild pig is considered an invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari) represent a key element of trophic networks in tropical rainforest ecosystems by playing the dual role of consumer and prey. Despite their importance, pressures on their populations have increased during the last few decades due to hunting and deforestation across its distributional range. These pressures may have led the remaining populations to move into new territories and to change their migratory and gregarious behaviour. In this study, we used photographic records from camera traps to collect data on biogeography of white-lipped peccaries in order to answer some questions about the demography, distribution and population size of the species in Ecuador's western Amazonia. We present new altitudinal records for the species (2,000 metres above sea level), along with some notes on herd size and activity patterns. This information is valuable for obtaining a better understanding of the species distribution and population status in order to achieve better conservation plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPorcine teschovirus (PTV), porcine sapelovirus (PSV), and enterovirus G (EV-G) are infectious agents specific to pig host species that are endemically spread worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the natural infection by these porcine enteric picornaviruses in wild boars (Sus scrofa scrofa) of Paraná state, Brazil, and to evaluate peccaries (Pecari tajacu and Tayassu pecari) as alternative host species for these viruses. Fecal samples (n=36) from asymptomatic wild boars (n=22) with ages ranging from 2 to 7 months old (young, n=14) and 2 to 4 years old (adult, n=8) and from peccaries (6 to 8 months old, n=14) were collected from a farm and a zoo, respectively, both located in Paraná state. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nested-PCR (n-PCR) assays targeting the 5'non-translated region of the virus genome were used for screening the viruses. Porcine enteric picornaviruses were detected in 12 out of the 22 wild boar fecal samples. According to each of the viruses, EV-G was most frequently (11/22, 50%) detected, followed by PTV (10/22, 45.5%) and PSV (4/22, 18.2%). Regarding the age groups, young wild boars were more frequently (9/14, 64.3%) infected with PTV, PSV, and EV-G than adult animals (3/8, 37.4%). One n-PCR amplified product for each of the viruses was submitted to sequencing analysis and the nucleotide sequences were compared with the related viruses, which showed similarities varying from 97.7% to 100% for PTV, 92.4% to 96.2% for PSV, and 87.1% to 100% for EV-G. Peccaries tested negative for the viruses and in this study they did not represent infection reservoirs. This study is the first to report the molecular detection of PTV, PSV, and EV-G from captive wild boars in a South American country and the first to screen peccaries as alternative host species for porcine enteric picornavirus.

Collared and white-lipped peccaries (Pecari tajacu and Tayassu pecari, respectively) are widely distributed, herd-forming ungulates that are sympatric in a variety of Neotropical ecosystems. Patterns of co-occurrence and niche partitioning are still poorly understood in sympatric peccary populations in the Atlantic Forest. We aimed to test the hypothesis that the collared and white-lipped peccary avoided each other by some degree of niche partitioning in the Vale Natural Reserve, Espírito Santo state, southeastern Brazil. Species-specific occupancy, detection, and activity patterns were estimated from camera-trap data collected at 39 sample sites over a 1-year period. We found that both peccary species respond to similar habitat covariates (palm density, distance to water resources, poaching intensity). We also quantified the probability of co-occurrence, or the Species Interaction Factor (SIF), using a two-species occupancy modelling approach. We found that the two species avoided each other in space (SIF=0.41±0.02), thus providing evidence for niche partitioning. Specifically, occupancy of the collared peccary was significantly lower at sites occupied by the white-lipped peccary (ψBA=0.24±0.08) when compared to sites unoccupied by the whitelipped peccary (ψBa=0.80±0.05). We also found weak evidence for temporal niche partitioning, with the white-lipped peccary being more restricted to diurnal hours. Our results contribute to our knowledge of species ecology and the potential mechanisms of coexistence for peccary species in the Vale Natural Reserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although dietary studies are considered an important conservation tool, few studies have assessed jaguar (Panthera onca) diet in Costa Rica. Therefore, this study describes the diet composition of the jaguar in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica, carried out by analyzing and comparing carcass (n = 1 374), scat (n = 75) and camera trap (n = 3) data, collected between 2012 and 2016. Our results indicated that jaguar diet in this area consisted of at least 20 prey species. The green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) was the most frequent item based on carcass data, while the white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) was the major prey species according to the scat analysis. Our results highlight the importance of combining different methods to describe the jaguar feeding habits. Further research should focus on calculating jaguar and terrestrial prey species abundance in the study area, information that would help to complement our findings. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(1): 70-77. Epub 2018 March 01. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The white-lipped peccary (WLP) is the most endangered ungulate in the Neotropics. In the recent years, this species has undergone a large reduction in range size and experienced the loss of several populations. An emblematic case was the local extinction of this species from the Iguaçu National Park (INP) in the mid-1990s. After the report of this particular WLP disappearance, surveys conducted along the 2000s confirmed its absence in the park. However, in 2016, after 20 years of previous reports, we obtained five records of WLP herds, indicating a possible population recovery probably resulting from emigration. To effectively re-establish whitelipped peccary population and, consequently, restore its ecological role, urgent practical conservation measures are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used 2 years of camera-trap surveys conducted by citizen scientists to compare native mammal and bird visits to dominant fruiting-tree species in low and high cattle-impact areas of rarely-flooded “cordilheira” forests in the Brazilian Pantanal. Monthly fruit censuses showed greater diversity of fruiting-tree species in low cattle-impact areas. Citizen scientists documented 29 native mammal and bird species among 5639 photo records obtained at fruiting trees. Analyses of 3 sets of camera-trap samples comprising: (1) only Attalea phalerata palms, (2) all ten dominant fruiting-tree species, and (3) all except a species with a highly-valued fruit and an unusual distribution, showed that faunal composition in low cattle-impact areas was significantly different and more diverse compared to that in high cattle-impact areas. Long-term cattle-related alterations of forest vegetation and short-term fruit depletion and interference by cattle explained faunal differences. While 5 frugivores and 1 carnivore were consistent indicators of low cattle-impact conditions, the value of 2 other frugivores ( Tayassu pecari and Crax fasciolata ) as indicators of cattle impact varied depending on fruit-species nutritive value, timing, and distribution. Improved cattle management is needed to prevent additional loss of forest biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Amazon is one of the most diverse biomes around the globe, currently threatened by economic and industrial development and climate change. Large mammals are keystone species, playing an important role in ecosystem structure and function as ecological engineers, while being highly susceptible to deforestation, habitat degradation, and human exploitation. Using a unifying hierarchical Bayesian spatial approach, we examine the site-use patterns of four large Amazonian Forest mammals and their relationships to anthropogenic factors at a biome-wide scale. Our results showed that species' patterns of site use are correlated with human induced habitat changes, and that this correlation is species-specific. The white-lipped peccary shows highest site-use estimates within strict protected areas, affected by proximity to urban areas and benefiting from indigenous territories, the tapir responding slightly to proximity to burned forested areas, while the giant armadillo and the jaguar were primarily affected by vegetation cover loss; disturbances related to the colonization of the Amazon. Our findings contribute to the understanding of how human-induced environmental changes influence the site-use patterns of these four large mammals, and inform future conservation and land use planning. Transboundary conservation efforts, empowering and integrating native (indigenous and non-indigenous) communities in land governance schemes, involving the private sector and securing the commitment of developed countries are important paths for the protection and sustainability of the globally-crucial Amazon rainforest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the landscape of ‘Lageado Grande’ farm (LGF), an area of 3,136.32 ha, located in General Carneiro, Palmas, and Bituruna, in Paraná state. The assessment was based on an integral analysis of the ecological requirements of Tayassu pecari and Tapirus terrestris and the functional aspects of the landscape in ‘Lajeado Grande’. Land use and land cover were mapped, and the map was divided into 335 grids of 10 ha each, which were scored with pre-defined criteria. The scores of each aspect were integrated by multiplying the values and calculating the standard deviation and the mean to establish the classification intervals of the general quality of the landscape. The class gradient for the survival and preservation of the analyzed species generated was: extremely important, very important, important, and of little importance. It was observed that 61.2% of the farm has relevant environments for the preservation of the species, composed of forest with the predominance of pine, broadleaves, lowlands, and some riparian forest patches on ‘Iratim’ river. The results show that LGF comprises a mosaic of environments suitable for the occurrence and maintenance of these ungulates.

In this study, the microsatellite technique was used to evaluate the genetic variability in populations of collared and white-lipped peccaries kept in captivity. Six primers developed for domestic pigs were used and amplified in both species. They revealed the presence of five polymorphic loci and one monomorphic locus. The polymorphic loci included 4 of the 16 alleles in collared peccaries, and 3 of the 10 alleles in the white-lipped peccaries. Polymorphic information content (PIC) in both species and all the loci was highly informative. The probability of paternity exclusion (PEC), if one of the parents is known, was almost as high in white-lipped peccaries (95.53%) as in the collared (99,48%). The Fst values for collared (0.042) and white-lipped (0.1387) peccaries showed that both populations are not structured. The Fis values for all loci, except ACTG2 in white-lipped peccaries (-0.0275) and in both species (0.1985 to 0.9284 in collared peccaries and 0.3621 to 0.4754 in the white-lipped), revealed a high level of homozygosis, probably caused by inbreeding. Data on heterologous amplification and genetic variability in collared and white-lipped peccaries are presented for the first time.

The neurohistologic observations were performed using the specimens prepared by Winkelmann and Schmitt silver impregnation method. The tissues were fixed in 10% formalin solution and sections of 40µm thickness were obtained by Leica Cryostat at -30ºC. The sections of dorsal mucosa of White-lipped peccary tongue showed numerous filliform and fungiform papillae, and two vallate papillae on the caudal part. The epithelial layer revealed queratinized epithelial cells and the connective tissue papillae of different sizes and shapes. Thick nerve fiber bundles are noted into the subepithelial connective tissue of the papillae. The connective tissue of fungiform and vallate papillae contained numerous sensitive nerves fibers bundles forming a complex nerve plexus.As observações neuro-histológicas foram realizadas utilizando amostras preparadas segundo o método de impregnação por prata de Winkelmann e Schmitt. Os tecidos foram fixados em solução de formol a 10% e seções de 40µm de espessura foram obtidas em criostato Leica -30ºC. As seções da mucosa dorsal da língua de queixada revelaram numerosas papilas filiformes, fungiformes e duas papilas valadas sobre a parte caudal. A camada epitelial revelou células epiteliais queratinizadas e papilas de tecido conjuntivo de diferentes tamanhos e formas foram observadas. Espessos feixes de fibras nervosas são notados no tecido conjuntivo subepitelial das papilas. O tecido conjuntivo das papilas fungiformes e valadas contêm numerosos feixes de nervos de fibras sensíveis formando um plexo nervoso complexo.

Infectious diseases are increasingly emerging and spreading globally, ending up being considered a threat to biodiversity. In the Amazon region, repeated disappearance episodes of local populations of white-lipped peccaries have been reported during the last decades. These population crashes remain poorly understood, but current knowledge suggests a potential role of infectious diseases. We conducted a systematic quantitative literature review on infectious diseases affecting suiform species in the Amazon region, analyzing the current knowledge on the topic, and identifying health threats for peccaries. We found that information on the health status of free-ranging peccaries in the Amazon region is scarce, geographically uneven, and mostly cross-sectional. We recommend working with local communities and using alternative participatory sampling methodologies to address the logistical problem of working in this wilderness setting. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of developing studies with broader geographical coverage and multidisciplinary approaches, especially in areas where episodes of disappearance of white-lipped peccaries have already been observed. • Potential role of infectious diseases in wildlife populations • Lack of studies and inefficient strategies to address the effects of infectious diseases in nature. • Suggestions to implement profitable and culturally friendly methodologies for field work in areas of high biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se determinó el valor nutritivo y mineral de 25 especies vegetales y una especie animal (lombriz de tierra) que forman parte de la dieta del chancho cariblanco (Tayassu pecari) en el Parque Nacional Corcovado, Costa Rica, desde enero de 1998 hasta marzo de 1999. Los mayores contenidos de grasa y energía bruta se encontraron en semillas de la familia Myristicaceae. El mayor contenido de calcio se encontró en partes vegetativas de Dieffenbachia spp. Los contenidos nutritivos fueron diferentes entre las diferentes partes vegetativas analizadas (semillas, frutos, tallos y hojas). El contenido de grasa y energía bruta fue mayor en semillas y frutos, mientras que el mayor contenido de proteina cruda se encontró en frutos y hojas. El contenido de minerales tambien fue diferente entre las partes vegetativas analizadas. Los contenidos de calcio, potasio y magnesio fueron mayores en hojas mientras que los de cobre y zinc fueron mayores en semillas. Diferencias en la dieta de los chanchos cariblancos de Corcovado con los de otras regiones tropicales de Latinoamérica pueden ser parcialmente explicadas con los resultados nutritivos de este estudio. Se encontraron varias especies con mayor contenido de grasa y energía bruta que las palmas, lo que puede explicar el bajo consumo de semillas de palmas en Corcovado. Es posible que el consumo regular de partes vegetativas (hojas y tallos) de algunas especies se deba al alto contenido mineral de estas. La estacionalidad de la reproducción parece estar relacionada no solo a la disponibilidad de alimentos sino tambien a la calidad nutritiva de los mismos.Nutritional values in the diet of white-lipped peccary Tayassu pecari (Artiodactyla: Tayassuidae) in Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica. We determined the potential nutritional levels in 25 species of plants, and in earthworms, that constitute part of the diet of white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) in Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica, from January 1998 to March 1999. The highest content of fat and energy was found in seeds of the Myristicacea family. The highest content of calcium was found in vegetative parts of Dieffenbachia spp. Nutritious contents differed among plant parts (seeds, fruits, stems and leaves). Fat and energy content were larger in seeds and fruits, whereas the largest content of protein was found in fruits and leaves. Mineral content also differed among plant parts. Calcium, potassium and magnesium were higher in leaves whereas copper and zinc were higher in seeds. Differences of diet between white-lipped peccaries in Corcovado and in other tropical regions of Latin America could be partially explained by our results. We found several species with higher fat and energy content than palms, which can explain the low consumption of palm seeds in Corcovado. It is possible that the regular consumption of stems and leaves of some species is related to their high mineral content. Seasonality of reproduction in Corcovado seems to be related not only to fruit availability but also to the nutritional quality of food. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54(2): 687-700. Epub 2006 Jun 01.

The white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) and the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) are social ungulates of great ecological and economic importance. Both species represent important sources of animal protein in the diet of indigenous and rural communities in Neotropical forests, which has contributed to reducing their populations throughout their geographic distribution. It is still not well understood how the social ecology of peccaries is affected by hunting. This study analyzed the relationship between hunting and group size, group composition, daily activity patterns, and the relative abundance of the two peccary species. Camera-traps and direct observation were used from February 2014 through February 2015 in two sites differing in their degree of protection and hunting pressure: the first was Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (a site with no hunting) and the second was the community of Nuevo Becal (a hunting site). Our analyses suggest that hunting negatively affects group size, structure, composition and the relative abundance of both peccary species. We propose that management and conservation plans, particularly for key resources such as water, and monitoring and hunting controls in the habitats of both peccary species, might ensure their survival in the Calakmul region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the effects of climate seasonality from a thermal and water availability perspective on the activity patterns and resource use of Pecari tajacu and Tayassu pecari during wet and dry seasons in the northeastern Brazilian Pantanal. We used camera traps and temperature sensors to record species activity patterns in relation to temperature, established five habitat categories based on flooding intensity and local vegetation characteristics, assessed the activity patterns of each species in dry and wet periods and in artificial water bodies using circular statistical metrics, and calculated niche amplitude and overlap on three axes (temperature, time, and habitat) in both periods. Peccaries shared a strong resemblance in resource use and in their responses to seasonal variations in the tested gradients. The activity patterns of both species exhibited a significant correlation with air temperature on all the evaluated measures, and both species strongly reduced their activity when the air temperature exceeded 35 °C. High temperatures associated with low water availability were most likely responsible for the changes in species activity patterns, which resulted in an increased temporal overlap in habitat use throughout the dry season. However, the peccaries avoided intensively flooded habitats; therefore, the habitat gradient overlap was greater during the wet period. Our results show that an increase in niche overlap on the environmental gradient as a result of climatic seasonality may be partially compensated by a reduction in other niche dimensions. In this case, temporal partitioning appears to be an important, viable mechanism to reduce competition by potentially competing species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides information about relative abundance, herd size, activity pattern, and occupancy of ungulates at Los Chimalapas, southeastern Mexico, one of the last refuges inhabited by two conservation priority ungulate species: Tapirus bairdii and Tayassu pecari. For three years, four species of ungulates were recorded using camera traps: T. bairdii, T. pecari, Mazama temama, and Tayassu tajacu, involving an effort of 8529 trap-days and 839 records. T. pecari was found to be highest in relative abundance, while T. tajacu's abundance was lowest. Populations were composed principally of adults, but there were records of offspring for all four species. The herd size was smaller compared to other populations of T. tajacu and T. pecari. Occupancy models were used to analyze the presence of the species in the region and showed that M. temama and T. bairdii had a high occupancy probability. In comparison, the occupancy probability of T. pecari was low. This study shows that ungulate populations are still breeding, and have higher possibility of permanence, in Los Chimalapas, Southeastern Mexico. The region is an important area for the conservation of T. bairdii and T. pecari, both disappeared from some other areas of the southeast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subsistence hunting can change the demographic structure of wild mammal populations, increasing the proportion of young animals, inducing females to reproduce early and increasing litter sizes. We examined the relationship between hunting pressure and age structure in the Vulnerable white-lipped peccary Tayassu pecari, analysing the distribution of age classes at seven sites in the region Terra do Meio in the Brazilian Amazon. These sites differ in the number of human inhabitants and hence were subject to differing hunting pressures. We completed semi-structured interviews with local people to assess the importance of hunting and of the white-lipped peccary as food. We also estimated the age of hunted white-lipped peccaries by assessing tooth eruption and tooth wear in skulls of hunted individuals. Our results indicated that the white-lipped peccary was the most frequently hunted terrestrial animal in the region. Fishing, followed by hunting, provided the main sources of animal protein. Our data suggest there is no relationship between age structure and hunting at the study sites. The social structure and mobility of white-lipped peccaries seem to minimize the effects of hunting on age structure. Our results, similar to previous studies, show that the age structure of the white-lipped peccary is robust to hunting impacts. Other factors may have stronger effects on age structure than subsistence hunting. We suggest that deforestation may explain the prevalence of older individuals in peccary populations to the north of our study sites. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]