Collared peccary [Dicotyles tajacu (Linnaeus, 1758)] record in the Caatinga: non-detection, recolonization, or release?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-21252026v3915517rcKeywords:
Group size. Large mammals. Seasonally dry tropical forest. Semiarid. Tayassuidae.Abstract
Despite its recognized ecological importance, basic information on the natural history and behavior of the collared peccary (Dicotyles tajacu) remains scarce in many ecoregions, including the Brazilian seasonally dry tropical forest (Caatinga), where the species can be considered locally extinct across much of its historical range. This study reports the presence of D. tajacu in a semiarid area of the Northeast region of Brazil where it was considered locally extinct. It discusses the natural history and probable origin of a group of at least eight individuals recorded foraging in an intermittent river valley through a citizen science observation. The nearest confirmed records are approximately 130 km away, suggesting three hypotheses for the origin of this potentially new population: detection failure, natural recolonization, or human-mediated release. The cautious and evasive behavior of D. tajacu, partly observed here, is well known and may contribute to its persistence in disturbed environments. The recorded group size falls within the range described in the literature and exceeds group sizes observed in other biomes. This record expands the known distribution area of D. tajacu in the Brazilian semiarid region and provides novel information on its natural history and behavior in the Caatinga dry forest. Further research and effective conservation measures, such as establishing protected areas to ensure the persistence of the species’ populations, are needed.
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