Camelidae

Camelidae is a family of even-toed ungulates in the order Artiodactyla, suborder Tylopoda. It comprises two groups: the Old World camels (genus Camelus) and the New World camelids (genera Lama and Vicugna). The six living species are Camelus dromedarius (dromedary), Camelus bactrianus (Bactrian camel), Lama glama (llama), Lama guanicoe (guanaco), Vicugna vicugna (vicuña), and Vicugna pacos (alpaca). Camels are native to Africa and Asia, while the South American camelids inhabit the Andean highlands and adjacent regions. They occupy a range of habitats from deserts to high-altitude grasslands.

Camelids share certain adaptations, such as padded, two-toed feet, efficient water conservation, and the ability to endure extreme temperature fluctuations. Dromedaries have a single hump, while Bactrian camels have two; the humps store fat, not water. The South American camelids lack humps and are generally smaller. Camelids possess a three-chambered stomach, enabling fermentation and digestion of tough vegetation outside the true ruminant system. They tend to be social and can form herds with complex group dynamics.

Taxonomically, Camelus includes the one-humped and two-humped camels; Lama and Vicugna include the South American forms, with alpacas and vicuñas distinguished from llamas and guanacos by size, fiber quality, and geography. Domestication has produced important uses: camels as transport and source of milk and meat; llamas and alpacas for packing and fiber, with alpaca wool prized for its softness and warmth. Some wild species, such as the wild Bactrian camel, face conservation pressures, while others remain common in domestic or wild populations.