Definition

Noun: * A species of wild pig: Tayassu pecari is the scientific name for the white-lipped peccary, a large, social mammal native to Central and South American forests. It is characterized by its dark coloration, distinctive white markings around its mouth and jaw, and its herd behavior.

Usage Notes

• This term is a scientific name (binomial nomenclature). It is used primarily in academic, zoological, and conservation contexts.
• In everyday language, the common name "white-lipped peccary" is almost always used instead.
• The term is always written in in formal scientific writing. The genus name () is capitalized, while the species epithet () is not.

Examples

• Scientific/Formal Context:
  • The research paper focused on the herd dynamics of Tayassu pecari in the Amazon basin.
  • Deforestation poses a significant threat to Tayassu pecari populations.
• Comparative Context:
  • Unlike the collared peccary, Tayassu pecari travels in much larger herds.

Advanced Usage

• The genus name can be used alone to refer to peccaries in a taxonomic sense, distinguishing them from true pigs (family Suidae).
• In ecological studies, the term is used to discuss the species' role as a seed disperser and its importance in the forest ecosystem.

Variants and Related Words

• White-lipped peccary (n): The standard common name for this animal.
• Peccary (n): The general term for New World pig-like mammals in the family Tayassuidae, which includes and the collared peccary.
• Collared peccary () (n): A smaller, more common species of peccary with a pale collar across the shoulders.

Synonyms

• White-lipped peccary

Related Phrases / Terms

• Herbivore / Omnivore: is primarily a frugivore and herbivore, but may consume small animals.
• Keystone species: In some habitats, it is considered a keystone species due to its impact on the environment.
• Near Threatened: Its conservation status, as assessed by the IUCN, indicating it is at risk of becoming vulnerable to extinction.

Noun

1. blackish peccary with whitish cheeks; larger than the collared peccary