The Chacoan peccary was first described in 1930 based on fossils and was originally thought to be an extinct species.

The species was well-known to the native people, but it took a while for Western scientists to acknowledge its existence; it is known locally as the tagua.

The Chacoan peccary is notable in that it is not the type species of its genus, Catagonus, despite being the only living representative.

Such a case is an example of a Lazarus taxon, and shares this trait with another South American native, the bush dog.

The Chacoan peccary has developed adaptations such as well-developed sinuses to combat dry, dusty conditions.

The Chacoan peccary produces a milky, odorous substance used for marking trees, shrubs, and similar.

Frequently bathing in mud or dust, Chacoan peccaries also defecate at particular "stations".

The arid habitat of the Gran Chaco region provides very tough vegetation for the Chacoan peccary.

Occasionally grazing on bromeliad roots, it also eats acacia pods and fallen cactus flowers.

This species of peccary seeks out salt licks formed from ant mounds and construction projects (road building and land clearings).

The Chacoan peccary gains essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and chlorine from the salt licks.

Because the Chacoan peccary is endemic to a formerly isolated region of South America, it is most vulnerable to human activity.