13) Genetics
The taguá has 20 chromosomes, in contrast to the other two species. They have, respectively, 26 and 30 elements. In the genetic study of mtDNA, Theimer and Keim (1988) suggested that the invasion of peccary ancestors to South America in the Pliocene led to their segregation into separate clades (see also Marshall, 1988). Although these species all occur sympatrically in the Chaco, hybridization with the other species has not been recorded.
The putative evolutionary chromosomal rearrangements have been described for the three tayassuid species, including banding homologies (Benirschke et al., 1985; Benirschke & Kumamoto, 1989). The evolution of tayassuids has been considered in some detail by Wetzel (1977) and it was also the topic of Wallace (1988). A studbook is being maintained of the captive population. In a recent cytogenetic study by Bosma et al. (2004), considerable chromosomal differences were found in the finer details of chromosome morphology between the collared and white-lipped peccaries. It contrasts with the more conservative arrangement of the suid chromosome morphology. Possible explanations were speculated upon and await further study.
Gongora & Moran (2005) have further examined nuclear and mitochondrial genes of all three species. They found greater mitochondrial gene divergence in collared peccaries than among the other two species, which are more closely related to each other than to collared peccaries. In addition, these authors reconsidered the question as to whether divergence originated before or after invasion of peccaries into South America after the landbridge was established. But final resolution of this question still awaits additional specimen study.
14) Immunology
There have been no reported studies.
15) Pathological features
The neonatal mortality is high in captive situations, but is it unknown for animals in the wild. Inadequate nutrition, sand imbibition, and pneumonia are the principal causes. Parasitism is very low in wild specimens (microfilaria, Balantidium sp.) and consists mostly of ectoparasites (Amblyoma sp.). I have seen one case of an apparently viral pneumonia that closely resembled Jaagsiekte of ruminants. A questionable spontaneous intestinal perforation has been observed. Tooth abnormalities and traumatic lesions occur, and much inhaled dust is found in adult animals' lungs. A partial posterior duplication suggested that conjoined twinning, perhaps monozygotic twinning, occurs. Placental infections have not been observed. Infections with Chlamydia psittaci was seen in a zoo because of the exposure to adjacent other artiodactyl animals that harbored the agent.
Older taguá often suffer chronic renal disease with renal and bladder calculi. They are comprised of oxalates. This is probably attributable to the preferred diet of cactus (Opuntia sp.). This putative relation to diet is in urgent need of being proven. Occasionally, taguá have had infections in the large scent glands located in the central portion of their dorsal sacral region. Much oily fluid can be secreted from this gland; the glandular secretions of the three species also have very different odors. It is of interest to learn what the fetal/maternal ovarian interstitial cell produces. Studies by incubating this tissue are needed.
16) Physiological data
No studies have been reported.
17) Other resources
Cell strains of many specimens are contained in the "Frozen Zoo" of "CRES" at the San Diego Zoo.
18) Other features of interest
The similarity of placentation to that of Suidae is striking. Please see the chapter on "Red River Hog". An extensive bibliography on peccaries can be downloaded from a section of CRES at the web site of the San Diego Zoo (www.sandiegozoo.org).
References
Benirschke, K.: Anatomic studies on pregnant giant peccaries (Catagonus wagneri). Zool. Garten 70:201-210, 2000.
Benirschke, K., Byrd, M. and Meritt, D.: New observations on the Chacoan peccary, Catagonus wagneri. Pp. 341-347, In. 32nd International Symposium on Erkrankungen der Zootiere (Eskilstuna, 1990). Akademie-Verlag, Berlin.
Benirschke, K., Gonzalez, S., Gould, G., Byrd, M. and Kumamoto, A.: Observations on the Chacoan peccary (Catagonus wagneri). Pp. 391-397, In, 28th International Symposium on Erkrankungen der Zootiere (Rostock, 1986). Akademie-Verlag, Berlin.
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