Vicugna pacos

Alpacas are social herd animals that exhibit a calm and cooperative demeanor. They communicate through body language and soft humming sounds. Alpacas show a strong herd instinct, often grazing together and showing communal behavior in caring for their young and alerting each other of dangers.

Alpacas are bred primarily for their fiber, with a breeding season that typically occurs in the spring and summer. Gestation lasts about 11 months, leading to the birth of a single offspring, known as a cria. Selective breeding practices focus on improving fiber quality, color, and animal health.

Alpacas are characterized by their soft and luxurious fleece, which comes in 22 natural colors. They have a lifespan of around 15 to 20 years, stand about 2.5 to 3 feet tall at the withers, and weigh between 100 to 175 pounds. Alpacas are adapted to harsh environments thanks to their efficient digestive systems and ability to conserve water.

Alpacas were domesticated thousands of years ago by the indigenous people of the Andes Mountains. They played a crucial role in the culture and economy of Andean societies, valued for their fleece, meat, and as pack animals. The Spanish conquest of South America led to a decline in alpaca populations, but they remained an integral part of Andean life.

Today, alpacas are farmed globally, with significant populations in South America, North America, Australia, and Europe. They are primarily raised for their fiber, which is used in making high-quality textiles. Efforts in conservation and sustainable breeding have stabilized their numbers, making them less vulnerable than their wild relatives, the vicuñas and guanacos.