ALPACA CLAN ACRES USA

South American Camel-lid

Alpaca or Llama?

The Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) is a domesticated species of South American camel-lid. It resembles a small llama on the surface but alpacas are considerably smaller than their cousins the llamas are. On average and alpaca is 4 feet to 4.5 feet from the top of the head and weighs 155 lbs. to 200 lbs. Alpacas are not used as beasts of burden, like the llama but are valued only for their fiber. Alpaca fiber is much softer than llama and sheep's wool. Alpaca fiber is used for making knitted and woven items. The fiber of the alpaca comes in more than 52 natural colors as classified in Peru, 12 as classified in Australia, and 16 as classified in the United States. Alpacas and llamas differ in that alpacas have straight ears and llamas have banana-shaped ears. Aside from these differences, llamas are proportionally bigger than the alpacas. Llamas on average are 5.5 feet to 6 feet tall at the top of the head and can weigh between approximately 280 pounds and 450 pounds.

Camel-lid Cousin, the Vicuna

In addition to the Alpacas and Llamas in South America, there are two other camel-lid relatives currently living there. These are the Vicuna and the Guanaco. The Vicuna are believed to be the descendants of Stenomyus Hitchcocki from the Miocene epoch; from 30-40 million years ago. Vicuna is native to South America. Recent DNA research has shown that the Vicuna may be the ancestors of the modern day Alpaca. The Vicuna is a little bit smaller than the alpaca, stands about three feet at its shoulders, and weighs an average of 150 lbs. The difference between the Vicuna and its cousin the Guanacos is the wool. The Vicuna's wool is finer than any other wool in the world. The Vicuna produces a smaller amount of wool than the other Camel lids; measuring about one pound of wool a year. Vicuna's are currently on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources critical red list for threatened species.

Camel-lid Counsin, the Guanaco

The Guanaco are also believed to be the descendants of Stenomyus Hitchcocki from the Miocene epoch. They are native to South America. Researchers believe they are the ancestors of the modern day Llamas. Guanacos stand about 3' 6" at the shoulders and weigh about 200 lbs. Their wool is double coated with a coarse outer layer and a softer undercoat. Guanacos have a grey face. The rest of their coat varies little in shades of brown that fades to a white shade underneath. Like their cousins the Vicuna, Guanacos are currently on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources critical red list for threatened species.