Infanticide in captive collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu)

Publication Type:
 Journal Article
Year of Publication:
 1990
Authors:
 Jane M. Packard, Kimberly J. Babbitt, Patricia G. Hannon, William E. Grant
Publication/Journal:
 Zoo Biology
Publisher:
 A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services
Keywords:
 , ,
ISBN:
 1098-2361
Abstract:

Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430090106.abs Housing animals in groups that are typical of the normal social system can be very important to the success of captive husbandry. Collared peccaries normally live in mixed-sex territorial groups of 13–40 individuals with little evidence for movement between groups. We recorded 21–30 cases of infanticide in a captive group composed of animals from several wild groups. In five observed cases, the attacker was a female unrelated to the mother, but related females helped defend neonates. Victims did not differ in sex ratio or size from individuals that survived. We recommend that peccaries be housed as related female lineages.

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