guanaco

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe) is a wild South American camelid that ranges across arid and semi-arid regions of the Andes from Peru and northern Chile through western Argentina to southern Patagonia. It occupies open plains, high-altitude grasslands, and shrub steppes, often in windswept habitats where predators are scarce and water is limited. The species is one of the two wild camelids remaining in the continent, the other being the vicuña.

Guanacos are tall and slender with long necks and legs. Adults typically stand about 1.0–1.2 meters at the shoulder and weigh 90–140 kilograms. They have a dense, woolly coat that is pale brown or gray on the back and white on the underside, throat, and inner legs. A darker face and ears give them a distinctive appearance. They move with a smooth gait and can run quickly to escape threats.

Guanacos are highly social and form groups consisting of females with young, led by a dominant male; bachelor groups of males also occur. They feed mainly on grasses and herbs, selecting plants that are high in nutrients. They digest food in a multi-chamber stomach and can survive on sparse vegetation with relatively low water intake. Reproduction occurs year-round in some areas, with a mating season peaking in spring; after a gestation of about 11.5 months, a single cria is born and remains with its mother for several months.

Major natural predators include pumas and foxes, especially for young guanacos. They also face threats from hunting and habitat changes associated with livestock. The IUCN lists the guanaco as Least Concern, due to its wide distribution and generally large populations, though local declines occur in parts of its range. Protected areas help sustain populations.