The collared peccary, commonly known as the javelina, does not possess true tusks like those found on wild pigs. Instead, the javelina has specialized canine teeth that are often mistaken for tusks due to their size and sharp appearance. These teeth are distinct in their structure and function, serving as tools for survival in the arid environments where javelinas reside. This difference is rooted in the evolutionary history that separates these two pig-like mammals.
Peccaries vs. Pigs: The Taxonomic Difference
The confusion between the javelina and a true pig arises from their similar appearance, but they belong to entirely different biological families. Javelinas are members of the family Tayassuidae, native to the Western Hemisphere. True pigs, hogs, and boars belong to the Suidae family, which originated in the Eastern Hemisphere. These two families have been separated by approximately 40 million years of evolution, making them only distantly related.
This ancient split accounts for structural variations in their dentition and other anatomical features. For instance, pigs have four toes on their hind feet and a relatively simple stomach, while javelinas have only three functional toes and a more complex, three-chambered stomach. The most noticeable difference is in the canine teeth: true tusks in pigs are modified canines that grow continuously and curve outward and upward. Javelinas, conversely, have a distinct form of canine that does not share this continuous growth or curvature.
The Truth About Javelina Teeth
The specialized canine teeth of the javelina are straight, short, and point downward rather than curving outward like a boar’s tusks. These teeth are positioned so that the upper and lower canines interlock when the mouth is closed. This specific alignment prevents the jaw from moving side-to-side, which is characteristic of peccaries.
The interlocking nature of the teeth is responsible for a highly efficient, self-sharpening mechanism. Every time the javelina opens and closes its mouth, the upper and lower canines rub against each other. This constant friction grinds the teeth, maintaining a razor-sharp edge effective for cutting and slashing. Unlike the ever-growing tusks of wild pigs, the javelina’s canines are not characterized by perpetual growth.
How Javelinas Use Their Specialized Dentition
The sharp, blade-like canine teeth are utilized primarily for defense and feeding. When a javelina feels threatened, it rapidly clacks its teeth together, creating a loud chattering noise. This sound serves as an immediate warning signal to predators that the javelina is prepared to defend itself.
The dentition is perfectly adapted to the javelina’s diet, which consists largely of tough desert vegetation. Javelinas use their cutting teeth to slice through the fibrous pads and roots of plants like the prickly pear cactus. The teeth shred the plant material, allowing the animal to extract the juice and tender parts. Beyond feeding and self-defense, the teeth play a role in social structure, used to establish dominance or defend territory within their family group.