Peccari Angulatus is a species of javelina, also known as the Collared Peccary. The spelling of this word is pronounced /pɛkəˌri æŋɡjʊˈleɪtəs/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is stressed and the "r" in "peccari" is pronounced like a trilled "r" sound. "Angulatus" is pronounced with a hard "g" sound, as in "goat," and a short "a" sound in the second syllable. The correct spelling and pronunciation of scientific names is important for clarity and accuracy in scientific communication.
Peccari angulatus, often referred to as the collared peccary or the javelina, is a species of medium-sized wild pig native to parts of North, Central, and South America. It belongs to the family Tayassuidae, distinct from the true pigs (family Suidae), and is known for its unique physical characteristics and behavior.
The collared peccary has a compact, stocky body with a dark, coarse coat. It is typically grayish-brown in color and distinguished by a white band or "collar" of fur across its shoulders. Adult individuals stand about 1.5 feet tall at the shoulder and can reach lengths of 3 to 4 feet. The snout is elongated and possesses a set of sharp, curved tusks primarily used for self-defense and foraging.
These animals are highly social and live in groups called "bands" consisting of 8 to 15 individuals, though larger bands have been observed. They are primarily herbivorous, consuming a variety of plant matter including fruits, seeds, roots, and cacti. However, they are known to occasionally eat small vertebrates and invertebrates.
Collared peccaries are typically found in a range of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and scrublands. They are adaptable and have successfully established themselves in various ecosystems across the Americas.
Due to their ecological significance and cultural value, collared peccaries are often studied and monitored by wildlife researchers and conservationists.
The word "Peccari Angulatus" is actually a Latin scientific binomial used to classify a species of mammal. It consists of two parts: "peccari" and "angulatus".
1. Peccari: The term "Peccari" is derived from the Latin word "pecari" or "pecaris", which means a wild pig or peccary. The Latin word "pecus", meaning cattle or livestock, is also related to the term. Peccaries are a family of pig-like mammals found in the Americas.
2. Angulatus: The word "Angulatus" comes from the Latin adjective "angularis", which means angular or having corners. It refers to the angulated or sharply angled shape of a certain characteristic, often used to describe bones, shells, or plants.