Alpakas

Alpakas are domesticated South American camelids closely related to llamas, guanacos, and vicuñas. They originated in the high Andes and are mainly bred in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Ecuador, with populations kept in many other countries around the world. There are two main fleece types: Huacaya, which has a dense, crimpy fleece, and Suri, which produces long, silky, pencil-like locks.

Alpakas are smaller than llamas, typically standing about 0.9 to 1.0 meters at the withers and weighing 45 to 70 kilograms. They are social herd animals with a calm temperament, and they usually live in groups led by a dominant male. Their diet consists of grasses and hay; they are ruminants with a three-chambered stomach and are well adapted to high-altitude grazing. They spit to defend territory or during social disputes, but rarely direct aggression at humans.

Fiber and uses: Alpaca fleece is soft, warm, and dense. Fleece diameter for fine animals averages around 20 microns, with variation by breed and age. The fleece is shorn annually; a single animal yields several kilograms of fiber. Historically used as pack animals and for meat, alpacas are now primarily raised for fiber production and as livestock in sustainable farming systems.

Reproduction and lifespan: Females give birth to a single cria after a gestation of about 11.5 months. Offspring are often weaned at several months of age. Lifespan typically ranges from 15 to 25 years with proper care.