The Animals

Alpaca

Alpacas are the smallest domesticated camelid, with its closest relative being the wild “vicuña” found in South America.

General Info

Common Name: Alpaca

Scientific Name: Vicugna pacos

Physical Appearance: They are the smallest domesticated camelid. Alpacas are smaller in size than the llama and cannot carry heavy loads. They have 16 documented colors in the United States. Peru has 52 classified color variations. Their coats can be uniform or multicolored. There are two types of alpacas: Suri and Huacaya. Suris have long, silky dreadlocks whereas Huacayas have dense, crimped fleece.

Length/Weight: 4-7 feet, 100-200 lbs.

Lifespan: 15-20 years. Oldest recorded: 27 years old.

Environment

Range: They originated in Andes of Ecuador, Southern Peru, Western Bolivia, and Northern Chile. Since the rediscovery of them in the 19th century, alpacas can now be found worldwide.

Habitat: Alpacas can be found in Alpine grassland, meadows, and marshes on the heights of the Andes. Their domesticated environments include grasslands, fields, and pastures.

Diet

Alpacas are grazers and feed on a variety of grass species. Pseudo-ruminant/Modified-ruminant.

Reproduction

Male alpaca reach sexual maturity around 2.5 years old, females 1.5 years old. Females are induced ovulators, requiring the act of mating to trigger ovulation. They usually give birth to a single offspring in a standing position. Average weight is 15-20 lbs. Twins are rare. The newborn is mobile and following its mother within 15-30 minutes.