Sul Ross State University
A Member of the Texas State University System

Characteristics and Habitat Selection
of a Collared Peccary Population in Trans-Pecos Texas

by M. Clay Green and Louis A. Harveson

We studied the characteristics and habitat selection (second and third order) of collared peccaries at the Barillos Dome, Jeff Davis County, Texas. During this one-year study, 15 collared peccaries (8 M, 7 F) from three herds were radio-collared and tracked.

Observed total mean (+ S.D.) herd size was 5.86 + 4.10. A total of 406 (218 visual) observations was recorded between October 1997 and October 1998.

Mean (+ S.D.) home range area (95% minimum convex polygon) for the three herds was 168 + 26 ha. Mean (+ S.D) core area (75 percent, 50 percent adaptive kernel) was 108 + 12 ha and 42 + 13 ha respectively.

Sixty-four vegetation clusters were sampled for habitat map construction, bedding site and habitat selection analysis. Ten plant associations and a transition zone were delineated. Canopy cover, herbaceous cover and visibility obstruction were measured at each den site and at a random plot within the same vegetation community (n = 6).

Mean (+ S.D.) screening cover at medium (0.5-l .0 m) and high (>1.0 m) height classes for the bedding sites were 29+38 percent and 81+42 percent, respectively. Canopy cover at the high height class was greater at the bedding sites compared with the random plots (P= 0.022).

The bedding sites had less herbaceous foliar cover than the random plots (P = 0.011).

All three herds selected second order habitat disproportionately to the available habitat (P < 0.05). Third order habitat selection was also disproportional to the available habitat (P < 0.05).

Two herds showed preference towards habitats with trees (Quercus spp. and Juniperus coahuilensis) with a mean high canopy cover of 69.0 + 43.9 percent (P < 0.1) and avoided the Mimosa biuncifera - Aloysia gratissima shrubland (P > 0.1). One herd demonstrated no preference or avoidance to any community.

Observations were conducted between sunrise and sunset and may favor habitat selection of communities for loafing/bedding sites and not as forage sites, especially during summer months.

Funding was provided by Sul Ross State University and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.