Nature Field Guide
Collared Peccary
- Spanish name
- Saíno
- Scientific name
- Dicotyles tajacu
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “I can see a pale band near its shoulders!”
Tati: “Let’s step back and leave space for the group.”
Species overview
About the Collared Peccary
The Collared Peccary is a compact, pig-like mammal, but it belongs to the peccary family. Dark coarse fur contrasts with a pale collar around the neck and shoulders. Its short tail is usually difficult to see. Older records often call the species Pecari tajacu.
It lives in social groups and eats fruits, seeds, roots, leaves and small animals. Scent plays a role in communication between group members. Collared peccaries use several habitat types and can reproduce outside a single fixed season. Their adaptability does not remove pressures from hunting and habitat loss. Give any group a wide route and avoid cornering or separating its members.
Identification
Key Features of the Collared Peccary
Pale collar around neck and shoulders.
Dark bristly coat and compact hoofed body.
Very short tail.
Habitat & range
Reserva Sierra Zapote in Las Juntas district and other dry or humid forest landscapes.
Local observations
The Sierra Zapote study records the older name Pecari tajacu; ACG’s newer account uses Dicotyles tajacu. These refer to the same Collared Peccary profile.
When to observe
Observe from authorized routes with a local guide. Activity, weather and food availability change encounters; a documented location is not a promise of a sighting.
Seasonal Calendar
Breeding possible
Costa Rica; broad natural-history account
Year-round
Reproduction is not confined to a fixed season; local peaks vary with habitat and resources.
Event source ↗Conservation & care
Keep a respectful distance and leave an open route for the animal. Stay on authorized paths, secure food and rubbish, and observe without feeding, touching, baiting or chasing.
Threats & pressures
Forest loss and fragmentation, hunting and conflict over crops are documented pressures.
Observation activity
From a wide distance, note the collar and group movement. Stop and let the group clear the route.
Explore by location
Guanacaste · Northern Plains · Guanacaste · Heredia · Las Juntas