alpacas

Alpacas (Vicugna pacos) are domesticated South American camelids native to the high Andes. Closely related to llamas, vicuñas, and guanacos, they are primarily kept for fleece and, in some regions, as pack animals. Alpacas come in two main fiber types: Huacaya and Suri.

Adults typically weigh 50–70 kg and stand about 0.9–1.0 meters tall at the shoulder. They have large eyes and a fine, soft fleece. Huacaya fleece is dense and crimpy, giving a fluffy appearance, while Suri fleece is long, silky, and hangs in locks.

Alpacas are native to the high-altitude grasslands of Peru, Bolivia, and northern Chile, usually at elevations of 3,500–4,500 meters. They are herd animals with a calm temperament and graze on grasses and hay, tolerating cool, arid climates.

Domestication dates back thousands of years in the Central Andes. Today they are primarily raised for fiber, which is spun into soft, warm textiles. In some regions, they also serve as pack animals or meat animals.

Reproduction and lifecycle: females reach maturity around 1 year; gestation lasts about 11–12 months and results in a single cria. Crias are typically weaned after a few months. The typical lifespan is 15–20 years.