micuna

Micuna refers to a genus of South American camelids, closely related to llamas and alpacas. The genus currently contains only one recognized species, Vicugna vicugna, commonly known as the vicuña. Vicuñas are wild animals, native to the high alpine areas of the Andes mountains. They are known for their exceptionally fine wool, which is considered one of the softest and warmest natural fibers in the world.

Historically, vicuñas were highly prized by the Incas, who considered their wool sacred. Hunting and exploitation of vicuñas led to a severe decline in their populations, pushing them to the brink of extinction by the mid-20th century. Conservation efforts have since been successful, and their numbers have recovered significantly, although they remain a protected species.

Vicuñas are smaller than llamas and alpacas, with slender bodies, long necks, and large eyes. They typically inhabit altitudes between 3,200 and 4,800 meters. They are herbivores, grazing on grasses and other low-lying vegetation. Their wool is a light brown or reddish-brown color on their backs and white on their undersides. The harvesting of vicuña wool is now strictly regulated and often involves a traditional roundup and shearing process called a "chaccu," where animals are gently captured, shorn, and released back into the wild. This sustainable practice helps ensure the long-term survival of the species and provides economic benefits to local communities.