Javelinas and Other Peccaries is certain to be regarded as the definitive source on this family of piglike creatures consisting of three species. Best known in the United States is the javelina, or collared peccary, but the firsthand observations and extensive information provided in this well-illustrated volume, cover all of the species. The javelina extends its range from the southwestern United States to northern Argentina, while the larger white-lipped peccary prefers warmer, moister tropical forests such as from extreme southern Mexico to northern Argentina. The Chacoan, or giant peccary, exists only in a small area known as the Chaco in western Paraguay, northern Argentina, and eastern Bolivia; scientists did not discover this species until 1972.
Lyle K. Sowls, who has studied these animals for nearly forty years, examines this family of New World mammals and presents his findings on each species' anatomy and physiology, behavior, reproduction, effects on the environment, diet, reaction to diseases, and habitat. He also includes sonograms of peccary vocalizations representing their social communication. Additionally, Sowls provides a review of management practices, along with recommendations on the management and conservation of peccaries. He suggests that peccaries offer an opportunity for modern wildlife management to help bring better use of forest areas to sustained land use. He reviews the peccaries' importance as a game animal for sport hunters, and includes reports from early explorers and discussion of American Indians' use of the animals. This fully revised second edition is a useful tool for mammalogists and other wildlife scientists, game specialists, and general readers interested in javelinas in the U.S. Southwest and peccaries throughout the Americas.
Lyle K. Sowls is Emeritus Professor of Wildlife Science in the School of Renewable Natural Resources at the College of Agriculture, University of Arizona.
"[...] Written in a scientific style, this book is well indexed which makes information easy to find. This is one of those books that needs to be on the shelf of anyone interested in wildlife, hunting, or the outdoors in general."
– TOWA News
"This book is a splendid compilation of the author's own work plus relevant studies published by many others."
– Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society
" [...] the book contains fascinating chapters on the importance of peccaries [...] This book, whose author is one of the leading authorities on peccary biology, behavior, and conservation, is an invaluable resource, not only for biologists and anthropologists but for anyone interested in biodiversity and conservation in tropical America."
– Human Ecology
"[...] an excellent source of information [...] Its findings on the javelina's anatomy and physiology, behavior, reproduction, effects on the environment, diet, reactions to diseases, and habitat are complete and can not be found in any other book."
– Jerry Turner, Mexia News