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How to Tell the Difference Between a Male & Female Javelina

A furry animal with a very strong odor roams the deserts and plains of North, Central and South America. It is called the peccary, or javelina. In the U.S., the javelina's range is limited to the southern extremes of the American Southwest. This mammal, which is indigenous to the Americas, very closely resembles but is only distantly related to the common domesticated pig. Males and females javelinas look very similar, but there are ways to tell the difference between the two.

Basic Physical Characteristics
- Before attempting to recognize the differences between a male and female javelina, you should know how to recognize a javelina in general. There are four extant species of javelina (peccary): the collared peccary (the only one found in the USA), white-lipped peccary, Chacoan peccary and the giant peccary. There are slight differences between these species, but all have prickly, gray-brown hair covering their bodies, are about as large as a medium-sized dog (except the much larger giant peccary), have snouts and hoofs similar to a pig and possess a scent gland that gives them a strong odor.
Size Differences
- Males and females javelinas are virtually indistinguishable from a distance, but up-close an observer can more easily recognize size differences. Males javelinas are, on average, just slightly larger than their female counterparts. This size difference is more noticeable in the Chacoan and giant peccary species. However, female javelina will appear larger than males when pregnant.
Genitalia and Reproductive Differences
- The most obvious difference between male and female javelina is in the genitalia. Male javelina have a retractable penis that is markedly curved, somewhat like a corkscrew. They also have visible gonads. The female javelina, of course, does not possess the previously-mentioned organs, but instead has a visible vaginal opening and four sets of mammae (milk-producing nipples) along its underside.
Behavioral Differences
- In addition to the physical differences, there are also behavioral differences. Javelinas are herd animals, so the males and females cohabitate (live in the same area). As herd animals , they are aggressive and protective of the herd. Generally, males will exhibit the most aggressive behavior, by showing and clacking their sharp teeth as a warning to predators. However, females will also show aggression, particularly to protect offspring, so this is not the best way to distinguish the sexes. Female javelinas play a large role in caring for the young, so baby javelinas often follow and nurse from their mothers. The presence of young nearby is a good way to recognize a female.

Animals & Science