NPSpecies

Data Source: Mammals of Grand Canyon National Park

The species was first detected in the Grand Canyon area by the Arizona Game and Fish Department Ranger/Biologist based in Tusayan in 1995 (Bob Burkland, pers. conv. with R.V. Ward,1996). Dr. James Mead, paleontologist and Program Director of the Quaternary Sciences Program at Northern Arizona University, believes that the javelina’s appearance at Grand Canyon is a natural range expansion and is unaware of any scientific expert with a contrary opinion (pers. conv. with R.V. Ward, 11/20/02).

Data Source: A. Anderson pers. comm. 2007

Park Species Detail: recorded as Tayassu tajuca, Park Species Data Source: Mammals of Grand Canyon National Park The collared peccary evolved in South America and migrated north, with most evidence suggesting a rather recent arrival in Arizona (Day 1985). The primary evidence for a late arrival is the fact that peccary bones are not found in Arizona archaeological sites (ibid). Early settlers made infrequent references to javelina occurrence, but they were clearly in Arizona by the late 1700’s (Hoffmeister 1986) with reference made to them by Spanish missionaries (Nentveg 1764, Peffercorn 1795, cited in Day 1985). It is speculated that the peccary spread simultaneously with the replacement of Arizona's native grasslands by desert scrub and cactus vegetation types (Cockrum 1960). The collared peccary has one of the greatest latitudinal ranges of any New World game animal, occurring from Arizona to Argentina. The range of the peccary is still expanding, primarily northwestward. The species presently occurs in the United States only in Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico, and currently occupies approximately 34 percent of Arizona with an estimated population of 60,000 animals. Hoffemeister (1986) documents the northward expansion of the peccary’s range over the last 100 years, culminating with their advance over the Mogollon Rim with observations reported at Walnut Canyon National Monument in 1954 (Salomonson 1973). Knipe (1956) reports the species near Payson and Chevelon Canyon, and north of Show Low by the 1950’s. Collared peccaries occurred at Walnut Canyon at least until the mid-1990s (R.V. Ward, personal observation, 1996). The species was first detected in the Grand Canyon area by the Arizona Game and Fish Department Ranger/Biologist based in Tusayan in 1995 (Bob Burkland, pers. conv. with R.V. Ward,1996). Burkland stated that in 1995 several javelina were sighted near Anita Tank and tracks were observed near Rowe Well Rd. It is not surprising that the species is capable of a rather rapid range expansion. Having evolved in a tropical region, the javelina is the only large ungulate in the Western Hemisphere capable of breeding year-round. In 1972 The Arizona Game and Fish Department introduced 32 javelina to the Hualapai reservation to the west of the park, and it is often stated that this is the source population for the javelina observed in the park. However, Art Fuller of the AGFD, states that the Department believes that none of the 32 survived several cold winters which occurred after the initial introduction attempt (Art Fuller, AZG&F Kingman Office, pers. conv. with Elaine Leslie, 1996). No additional introductions were attempted in the area. As javelina lack the significant underfur present on most artiodactyles, they are unusually susceptible to cold. Park observations of javelina have been recorded each year since 1996 (GRCA Wildife Observation Records, Wildlife Office). The observations generally occur in the Grandview area with few individuals sighted. From 1999-2001, observations have increased. Tracks are found regularly at Hearst Tanks, at the sewage ponds, and along the effluent discharge near Rowe Well. Archeologists have confirmed sightings on the south side of East Rim Rd. after monsoon events, which create water sources in depressions in the Kaibab limestone substrate. Desert View Rangers have confirmed javelina feeding on cactus patches during summers. Dr. James Mead, paleontologist and Program Director of the Quaternary Sciences Program at Northern Arizona University, believes that the javelina’s appearance at Grand Canyon is a natural range expansion and is unaware of any scientific expert with a contrary opinion (pers. conv. with R.V. Ward, 11/20/02). The cause of the expansion is generally attributed to several consecutive years of mild winters in northern Arizona. Data sources: Cockrum, E.L. 1960. Recent mammals of Arizona. University of Arizona Press, Tucson. 284 p. Day, G. I. 1985. Javelina research and management in Arizona. Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix AZ. 122p. Hoffmeister, D.F. 1986. Mammals of Arizona. Univiersity of Arizona Press, Tucson. 602 p. Knipe, T. 1956. The javalina in Arizona. Arizona Game and Fish Dept. Wildl. Bull., 2:1-96. Nentveg, J.S.J. 1764. Rudo Ensayo, translated by A.F. Pradeau and R.R. Rasmussen. University of Arizona Press, Tucson. 160p. Peffercorn, I. 1795. Sonora, a description of the province. Translated 1949 by T.E. Treutlin. University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque. 329 p. Salomonson, M. 1973. The mammals of Walnut Canyon National Monument. Plateau, 46: 19-24. Sowls, L.K. 1997. Javelina and other peccaries, their biology, management, and use. University of Arizona Press, Tucson.