Mammals Active during the day

Chacoan Peccary

Catagonus wagneri

iNaturalist Wikipedia

Once known only from fossils and thought to be extinct, the Chacoan Peccary is the ultimate survivor of the South American scrublands. This rare, cactus-eating mammal is a prize find for any wildlife observer.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length of 96-117 cm (38-46 in); weight typically between 30-43 kg (66-95 lbs)

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Colors

Bristly brownish-gray fur with a faint, light-colored collar across the shoulders and darker fur along the spine

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Key Features

Long, flexible snout with a cartilaginous disc
Distinctive long ears and a tail longer than other peccary species
Three toes on the hind feet (other peccaries have two)
Large, specialized nasal chambers for dry environments

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 6-10 AM, 4-7 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet A specialized herbivore focusing on cacti (Opuntia and Cleistocactus), supplemented by roots, seeds, and occasionally fruit. They use their snouts to roll cacti on the ground to remove spines.

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Habitat Arid, impenetrable thorny scrubland and dry deciduous forests of the Gran Chaco.

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Where Does the Chacoan Peccary Live?

Native to the South American continent, the Chacoan Peccary is a highly localized specialist of the Gran Chaco region. Its entire global range is restricted to the semi-arid lowlands where the borders of western Paraguay, southeastern Bolivia, and northern Argentina meet. Because it is so specifically adapted to this harsh, thorny environment, it is not found anywhere else on Earth, and there are no introduced populations outside of its native scrublands.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

3 Countries

140K km² Range

Endangered Conservation

PY Paraguay BO Bolivia AR Argentina

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

Chacoan peccaries, locally known as taguá, are highly social and intelligent mammals that live in small, tightly-knit groups of two to ten individuals. Unlike their more common relatives, they are primarily diurnal, concentrating their activity in the cooler hours of the morning and late afternoon to avoid the punishing heat of the Gran Chaco. They communicate through a series of vocalizations and scent marking; they possess a large dorsal gland on their back which they rub against trees or fellow group members to reinforce social bonds and mark territory.

These animals are notoriously wary and elusive, a trait that helped them remain hidden from science as a living species until 1974. When threatened, they are surprisingly fast and will disappear into the thickest, thorniest brush imaginable. They are also known to be more aggressive than other peccaries when cornered, using their sharp canines for defense. Within their group, they exhibit cooperative behaviors, such as communal dust bathing and huddling together to rest.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the rare Chacoan Peccary on camera requires patience and strategic placement within their very specific habitat. Look for 'taguá tunnels'—small, cleared paths through dense, thorny brush that show signs of recent use. Position your camera at a height of approximately 18 to 24 inches (45-60 cm) off the ground. Because they are shorter than deer but stockier than small predators, this mid-low angle ensures you capture the full body and the identifying dorsal gland on their lower back.

Since these animals are extremely sensitive to human presence and strange lights, it is highly recommended to use a 'No-Glow' or high-end black infrared flash. Standard LEDs or white flashes will likely spook the entire group, and they may avoid that specific trail for several weeks afterward. Set your camera to a 3-photo burst or a 20-second video mode. Chacoan peccaries travel in single-file lines; a single photo might only catch the nose of the leader or the tail of the last individual, whereas a video will capture the social dynamics of the whole group.

In the dry season, the best locations for camera traps are near remaining water holes or mud wallows. These are magnetic for peccaries, who use the mud to cool down and protect their skin. If you can find a 'rubbing tree'—a tree at the edge of a trail with smooth, stained bark at peccary height—this is a prime spot, as they frequently stop there to deposit scent. Avoid placing cameras in wide-open areas, as these elusive mammals prefer the security of the thicket.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Chacoan Peccary.

Collared Peccary

Smaller with a much more distinct white 'collar' around the neck and shorter ears.

White-lipped Peccary

Larger and darker with a prominent white patch around the mouth; they travel in much larger herds of 50 or more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Chacoan Peccaries are primarily diurnal, meaning they are most active during the daylight. They prefer the cooler hours of the early morning and late afternoon, often retreating into deep shade or thickets to rest during the peak midday heat.

Due to their endangered status and very specific habitat needs in the remote Gran Chaco, Chacoan Peccaries do not inhabit suburban backyards. For those living in their native range, the best way to support them is by preserving natural thorny scrub and avoiding the use of high, impermeable fences that block their movement.

Their diet is incredibly specialized, consisting mainly of various cacti. They use their snouts to knock spines off cactus pads and have a specialized digestive system to handle the high fiber and alkaloid content. They also eat roots, seeds, and the occasional fruit.

No, they are not. They are a rare and endangered species found only in the wild, semi-arid regions of Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina. They avoid human settlements and require vast tracts of undisturbed thorny forest to survive.

Chacoan Peccaries are larger and have significantly longer ears and tails than Collared Peccaries. On a camera trap, look at the feet: Chacoan Peccaries have three toes on their hind feet, while Collared Peccaries have only two. Additionally, the Chacoan species lacks the bright, distinct white neck collar of its smaller cousin.

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