Alpacas are domesticated versions of vicunas, South American ruminants that live high in the Andes. Alpacas are related to llamas, which are domesticated versions of another wild Andean ruminant, the guanaco. There are no wild alpacas. While llamas are used as pack animals, alpacas are raised mainly for their soft wool doesn't retain water and very durable. According to National Geographic, alpaca fur is the second strongest animal fiber, after mohair. Guanacos and vicunas are found throughout the Andes Mountains. They are descended from camelids that developed in North America and migrated to South America 3 million years ago, according to Phil Switzer, an alpaca breeder based in Colorado. These animals evolved into guanacos and vicunas, and about 6,000 years ago, people in the Andes began to domesticate them. There are two breeds of alpaca, the Huacaya and the Suri. Huacaya alpacas are more common, according to Switzer. The main difference between the breeds is the length and fineness of the wool-like fiber, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The Suri have very long fibers ("silky dreadlocks," according to Alpaca Ventures), while the Huacaya have a more compact "crimpy" fleece, with shorter fibers. The alpaca's fiber come in a broad spectrum of 22 natural colors, more colors than other livestock. Llamas and alpacas can crossbreed. The offspring are called huarizo. An acre of good pasture can support approximately 15 to 20 alpacas.
Product Specifications
- Class: Mammalia
- Weight: 48 – 84 kg (Adult)
- Height: 81 – 99 cm
- Ave. life span: 20 yrs.
- Litter size: 1 only “cria” 18-20 lbs. upon birth.
- Temperament: Docile, quiet, and intelligent
- Length : 115 cm
- Width : 45 cm
- Height : 165 cm
