Alpaca Facts

About the alpaca

Herds of alpacas traditionally grazed the high, level ground of the Andes, from southern Peru and western Bolivia to Ecuador and northern Chile. These days farms and ranches around the world raise thousands every year, with fans especially in Europe, Australia and North America. Two breeds exist. Suri alpacas grow fiber that hangs in straight locks, while Huacaya fiber is crimped and wavy and grows in bundles. Both end up in knitted and woven goods.

People often mix up alpacas and llamas. Alpacas are noticeably shorter and are raised for wool, while llamas have long served as pack animals and as guards for livestock. Alpacas were bred from the small, fine-haired vicuña, and llamas from the bigger guanaco, at least 5,000 to 6,000 years ago. To show dominance when upset or scared, an alpaca may spit.

Did you know?

• The four South American camelids are close relatives, and they can interbreed.
• Male alpacas tend to be more aggressive than females.
• The alpaca's scientific name is Lama pacos.