 DESCRIPTION:
Wt=30-65 lbs (14-30 kg). Stand about 2' high (60cm). Overall grizzled-gray
with an indistinct white collar. Look pig-like, but are in a separate
family (Tayassuidae) from pigs (Suidae).
NATURAL HISTORY: Primarily herbivorous, but will occasionally take small
animals (e.g., worms, insects, amphibians, and reptiles). Activity time
depends on temperature -- diurnal during winter, crepuscular during summer.
Usually runs away from threats, but when cornered, may use their tusks
for defense (their common name -- javelina -- comes from the spanish word,
jabalina, which means spear). Javelina are social, traveling in herds
ranging up to 30 animals. They have a gland in their lower back that produces
a distinctive, musky-smelling, oily substance. They use this substance
to mark their territories and to rub on each other (reciprocal
grooming) to produce a herd scent that allows them to recognize
members of their own herd. Breeding occurs year-round (mostly in winter),
and most of the mating is done by the dominant male. Newborns are red
in color and stand behind their mother to nurse. |
