The animal commonly called a javelina, or sometimes a musk hog or skunk pig, is frequently mistaken for a wild pig or boar. This confusion is understandable, given the animal’s pig-like snout and stout body, but it is incorrect biologically. The javelina is not a true pig, feral hog, or wild boar, which are all members of the Old World swine family (Suidae). The collared peccary, the species most commonly referred to as the javelina in the Southwestern United States, belongs to a completely separate family of mammals. Understanding its proper classification clarifies its true biological relationships.
Establishing the Peccary Family (Tayassuidae)
The javelina belongs to the biological family Tayassuidae, commonly referred to as peccaries or New World pigs. True pigs, including domestic swine and wild boars, are classified under the family Suidae (Old World pigs). Both families share a distant common ancestry within the order Artiodactyla, the even-toed ungulates, having evolved separately for approximately 30 to 40 million years. Peccaries developed exclusively in the Western Hemisphere, originating in North America and later migrating south, while true pigs developed in the Eastern Hemisphere.
The family Tayassuidae contains three recognized extant species: the Collared Peccary (Dicotyles tajacu), the White-lipped Peccary (Tayassu pecari), and the Chacoan Peccary (Catagonus wagneri). The Collared Peccary is the species found in the southwestern United States. It is the smallest of the three species, typically weighing between 35 and 60 pounds, and is named for the distinct, lighter-colored band of hair around its neck.
Anatomical Differences Separating Javelinas from True Pigs
The taxonomic separation of javelinas from true pigs is supported by several distinct anatomical differences. One primary distinction lies in the structure of their feet. True pigs possess four toes on their hind feet, whereas the javelina has only three toes on each hind foot, with the outer dewclaw absent.
Their dental structure also shows clear divergence, particularly concerning their tusks. A true pig’s canine teeth curve outward and upward from the mouth. In contrast, a javelina’s canine teeth grow straight downward, creating a set of sharp, interlocking cutters. These tusks are used primarily for defense and threat display rather than for eating.
A significant internal difference is found in their digestive systems. Unlike the simple stomach of a true pig, the javelina possesses a complex, multi-chambered stomach. This multi-chambered stomach is adapted for processing tough, fibrous plant matter, allowing the javelina to efficiently utilize forage like prickly pear cactus. Furthermore, the javelina has a prominent musk gland located on its back near the rump, a feature absent in true pigs.
Social Structure and Geographic Distribution
Javelinas are highly social animals that contrast with the typically more solitary nature of wild hogs. They live in stable, small herds known as “squadrons,” which generally consist of 6 to 12 individuals, though groups can be larger. The members of a squadron forage, rest, and travel together, establishing a defined home range.
Communication relies heavily on their unique scent gland, which emits a strong, musky odor. Herd members rub their bodies against one another, mixing individual scents to create a distinct group identity. This collective scent is important for recognition, especially given the animal’s poor eyesight.
Javelinas are omnivores, but their diet consists mostly of roots, tubers, and various succulents, with prickly pear cactus often being the dominant food source. Their range is expansive, starting in the Southwestern United States, including parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The distribution extends south through Central America all the way to northern Argentina, covering diverse habitats from arid scrublands to tropical rainforests.