Collared Peccary,  Plate # 31, limited edition of 750, 21" x 28", Southart/Parkway Series  $250

Toward the end of his life, Audubon endeavored to depict all the known species of North American mammals.  These were published in three sets by J. Bowen between 1845 and 1848.  Known in the trade as the Imperials, his detailed images measured 22 x 28 inches.  We have produced same size facsimiles of these engravings, using the fine originals from the Princeton University collection.  These reproductions, as with our Birds of America reproductions, are direct-camera prints.  They represent the first successful attempt to reproduce directly from the actual antique originals, instead of reproducing a mere photograph of an original.  The 100% rag, acid-free Somerset archival paper is imported from England, and has the tone and texture of the originals.

 

 

COLLARED PECCARY - PLATE XXXI

Tayassu tajacu

Audubon wrote, “When angry, they gnash their teeth, raise their bristles, (which at such time resemble the quills of the porcupine,) and their sharp, shrill grunt can be heard at a great distance.

“This species feeds on fruits, seeds, and roots; and like the domesticated hog is constantly rooting in the earth in quest of worms, insects, reptiles, or bulbous roots.  It is said also to devour the eggs of alligators, turtles, and birds; and to be destructive to lizards, toads, and snakes.  In fact, like the common hog it is omnivorous, feeds upon everything that comes in its way, and is not particularly choice in the selection of its food.”

            Frequently called the javelina in the southwestern deserts, these social creatures travel in groups of a few to a few dozen. Because of a light colored band that stretches from one shoulder under the throat to the other shoulder they are called Collared Peccaries, distinguishing them from their larger, more vicious rain forest cousin, the white-lipped peccary. Sometimes called Musk-hogs, because of their strongly scented glands, Audubon recommends “the dorsal glands of either the male or female should be cut off instantly after the animal is killed, for their retention for only a single hour gives the meat so strong an odour that it can scarcely be eaten.”

They appear to be immune to rattlesnake venom as they will stomp a snake and devour it, unafraid.