Chapter 1: Evolutionary relationships and taxonomy of Suidae and Tayassuidae15
belongs to an unusual population of P. tajacu. The data available
for the proposed new species are deficient and certainly need
some diagnosable morphological and/or genetic evidence that
support this as a separate species account.
Catagonus Ameghino, 1904
Chacoan peccary. The largest of the living peccaries (Figure 1.14).
The skull differs strikingly from the other two genera: rostrum
high and long, zygomatic arch extremely deep, braincase rela-
tively small, basicranial flexure very marked with respect to
other peccaries, cranial sinuses greatly inflated, cheekteeth with
many accessory small cusps, incisors long, procumbent in max-
illa; pedal digit II absent (see Wetzel 1977a, 1977b). Known first
as a fossil, it was discovered alive only in 1975. There is a single
species.Catagonus wagneri (Rusconi, 1930)
A large, large-headed, short-bodied peccary, pelage grey–agouti
with a white collar like Pecari, and an area of elongated hair on
the nape. Restricted to Chaco country, mainly in Paraguay, but
extending over the borders into Bolivia and Argentina.Conclusion
Our review of the evolutionary relationships within the Suoidea
shows that many relationships and likely evolutionary pathways
have been clarified in this group since the advent of molecular
genetic techniques and its effective combination with fossil
analysis. Still, plenty of opportunity remains to further elucidate
relationships within the Suidae and Tayassuidae. Such study is
important as it highlights the significant evolutionary plasticity
of this group of species and its ability to reach nearly all terrestrial
parts of the world (although aided by people in some cases).
Genetic analysis at the genomic level further indicates the ease
with which species hybridize, acquiring parts of the genome
from locally adapted species that help it better cope with specific
environmental challenges. Such processes show the genetic
versatility of this group of species, benefitting species that are
presently highly successful, such as Sus scrofa. On the other
hand, such intergradation is a concern to conservation, if indeed
the maintenance of ‘pure’ gene pools is a valid conservation
objective. As discussed elsewhere in this book, a range of species,
especially in island South East Asia, are highly threatened, with
a few hundred or less animals surviving. Concerted efforts are
needed to maintain these genetically unique taxa, and to ensure
that we do not only maintain the presently most successful
species in evolutionary terms.Figure 1.14 Chacoan peccary (Catagonus wagneri), Tierpark Berlin Zoo,
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