Peru Camels, Llamas, Alpacas, Vicugnas

Man’s Best Friend

Wild Guanacos, Vicuñas, Llamas, and Alpacas are incredibly hardy animals used to produce different services and products for peasants. Llamas and Alpacas lived between 2,400 to 4,500 meters/8,000 to 15,000 feet and were domesticated 8,000 years ago.

Andes Llamas and Alpacas are intelligent and gentle animals; they are relatively inexpensive to maintain, disease-free, quick learners, cooperative, and patient in training.

The Evolution of Andes Camelids

Ten thousand years ago, camelids became extinct in North America. Two of the six current species are found in Asia, and four are in South America. Just as the present South American fauna is vibrant for camelids “8 thousand years ago”.

The distribution of domestic species is mainly Andean – Andes. Domestic camelids were strategic elements for pre-Columbian Andes cultures. This Inca animal had, in turn, a high religious and ceremonial value. The shear is in spring, and each animal yields approximately 1.5 kg of wool.

The Alpaca (Lama pacos) is smaller than the lama and produces high-quality wool. Its altitudinal distribution goes from 0 meters to 4,000 meters above sea level. The Guanaco weighs approximately 100 kilograms.