Introduction

Until 1975, the large Chacoan peccary, Catagonus wagneri, was known only from a fossil specimen and was thought to be extinct.But during explorations in the remote Chaco dry forest in Paraguay, the peccary was found alive.The Chacoan peccary has special adaptations for the dry conditions of the Chaco, including:

• large nasal sinuses to prevent dust inhalation
• delicate, slim legs for easier access through dense and often prickly, stunted forest

Catagonus wagneri is considered an endangered species and is disappearing at an alarming rate due to human encroachment, over-hunting and introduced diseases.