The Influence of Extremes of Temperature on Activity Patterns of Peccaries

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Southwestern Naturalist

Volume

23

Issue

3

Publication Date

1978

First Page

339

Last Page

346

Abstract

The ecological determinants of activity patterns of peccaries (Dicotyles tajacu Linnaeus) were studied in Big Bend National Park, Texas, from June 1972 to April 1974. Cessation of feeding activity and initiation of bedding were found to be negatively correlated with minimum daily temperature $(\text{r}^{2}=0.51)$. The colder the preceding night and early morning (minimal temperatures were generally reached at about 0500) the later into the morning peccaries fed before bedding for the day. Depending on temperature, peccaries bedded from 0800 to approximately noon. Onset of feeding activity in the afternoon was correlated with maximal daily afternoon temperatures $(\text{r}^{2}=0.64)$. As maximal temperatures increased in the summer, peccaries remained in their bed progressively later into the day. During the winter months peccaries left their beds in the early afternoon (1500), whereas during the hottest summer months activity was seldom initiated before 1700-1800.

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