Definition

1. Noun:
   • A species of peccary: The collared peccary is a mammal, a type of wild pig native to the Americas. It is characterized by its dark grey fur and a faint, light-colored band of hair around its neck and shoulders, resembling a collar.
   • A specific animal: It refers specifically to the species Pecari tajacu, also known as the javelina. It is found in semi-desert, scrubland, and woodland habitats from the southwestern United States through Central America and into South America.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We spotted a herd of collared peccaries foraging near the canyon.
  • The collared peccary is well-adapted to arid environments.
  • Unlike domestic pigs, the collared peccary has a complex social structure.

Advanced Usage

• In ecological context: The term is used to discuss the animal's role in its ecosystem.
  • The foraging habits of the collared peccary help disperse seeds throughout the desert.
• In zoological classification: Used when specifying the species within the Tayassuidae family.
  • The collared peccary is one of three extant species of peccary.

Variants and Related Words

• Peccary (n): The general term for New World pig-like mammals in the family Tayassuidae. The collared peccary is a type of peccary.
• Javelina (n): A common alternative name for the collared peccary, used primarily in the southwestern United States.
• Musk hog (n): Another informal name sometimes used for peccaries, referring to their scent glands.

Synonyms

• Javelina: The most common direct synonym.
• Tayassu: An older scientific genus name sometimes used informally.

Related Phrases

• Herd of peccaries: The standard collective noun for a group of collared peccaries.
  • A herd of peccaries can be quite defensive if threatened.

Noun

1. dark grey peccary with an indistinct white collar; of semi desert areas of Mexico and southwestern United States