Alpaca (L
ama pacos)
Origin:
Alpacas were domesticated over 6000 years ago by the Inca people of South America. Alpacas were created through selective breeding influenced by the wild Vicuña.
Lifespan:
15 to 20 years.
Diet:
Mainly consists of grass in summer months. In winter they are supplemented with hay and meal.
Colour:
Their hair (fiber) comes in 22 basic colors with many variations.
Gestation:
11- 12 months, producing 1 single Cria
Conservation:
Vicunas are protected in South America and the IUCN supports conservation programs to protect them.
There are two types of Alpaca- Huacaya and Suri defined by coat type.
Alpaca’s do not have hooved feet, they have two toes covered by a nail. They have been domesticated for over 5000 years. They are mainly used for their fine fiber coats, but are also kept as pets for showing and protecting other herd animals. Alpacas do not usually spit at humans but will spit at another if in an argument. They are a flock animal and need to be kept in a group or in pairs and get stressed if on their own.
