Amazon Rainforest Peccary Debate
Further Study Needed Before New Giant Species Formally Acknowledged
Further study of peccary from Brazil is necessary to determine if it is distinct from South American Collared peccary which has large home range and genetic variability.
Within the definition of species there are many different issues to consider. In the case of the giant peccary (Pecari maximus sp nov), too few animals have been properly examined to determine whether it is indeed separate from the three other known peccary species. Once further morphological, reproductive, and behavioral data is available and genetic analyses are performed, the IUCN Pigs, Peccaries and Hippos Specialist Group will make that determination.
It is exciting to think there may be a new species in the Brazilian Amazon’s rainforest. Actually there probably are many, as the area has not been fully explored. But the excitement of discovery must be tempered with sound science. At present, a look at the evidence suggests that separate species status for the giant peccary is not highly likely, at least in the near future.
Genetic and Physical Variation in The Collared Peccary
The peccary species are highly variable in size, shape and coloration and behavior. And much of the presently available data on the Giant Peccary falls into the physiological and behavioral range of the Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu), a species that is found from the southwestern USA to Argentina. The Collared Peccary itself has shown such genetic diversity that some researchers have proposed that it be divided into 14 subspecies. Others make a good case for separating it into two distinct species.
Species which inhabit large home ranges are often physically and behaviorally diverse due to the variety of the environments to which they must adapt. Diet and social structure will change based on available food and need for cooperation in foraging or safety. This appears to be the case for the peccaries. Where things become fuzzy is deciding at what point the diversity is sufficient to declare a separate species, or even subspecies as there are no clear cut guidelines for speciation.
Collared Peccary or Giant Peccary?
Dr van Roosmalen has, to date, only been able to provide five skins and three skulls for study. This is a very small sample size for any study. So while the possibility still exists that the Giant Peccary is a new species, it will take several years of field study and further samples being taken for genetic and other analysis before that will be determined.
Given that the status of the Collared Peccary, a species that has been known for many years, is still under discussion, the introduction of the Giant Peccary as a possible new species may serve to push the study of peccary genetics and morphometrics forward. It will be interesting to watch the progress of this situation.
Photo Credit: Andrew Potter
