guanacos

The guanaco (Lama guanicoe) is a wild camelid native to South America and one of the four South American camelids. It is closely related to the domestic llama, which is descended from guanacos, and distinguished from the vicuña and the alpaca.

Guanacos inhabit arid and semi-arid regions of the southern Andes and Patagonian steppe, ranging from southern Peru and Bolivia through Chile and Argentina to Tierra del Fuego. They prefer open plains, scrublands, and high-altitude plateaus, and can tolerate cold, dry climates. They are typically found in groups that vary seasonally, and young males often form separate bachelor herds.

Physically, guanacos are slender, long-legged animals with a light brown to reddish coat, lighter underparts, and a white chest. They have large ears, a long neck, and a relatively small head. Adults weigh about 90 to 140 kilograms and stand roughly 1.0 to 1.2 meters at the shoulder. Their fleece is a soft, insulating fiber, valued locally for its warmth.

Guanacos are herbivores, feeding mainly on grasses, forbs, and shrubs. They are ruminants and can thrive on relatively sparse forage, drinking water when available. Socially, herds form cohesive groups led by a dominant female and guarded by males during the breeding season.

Reproduction occurs seasonally in many populations, with a gestation of about 11 months and a single cria born after a year. The IUCN lists the guanaco as Least Concern, though populations decline in parts of its range due to hunting, habitat loss, and competition with livestock. It remains widespread and protected in many areas.