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Alpacas and llamas are members
of the camel family (Camelidae) and were domesticated
several thousand years ago by the native population of
the Andean Mountain region of South America. Collectively
known as lamoids, they are characterized by their slender
bodies, long legs and necks, short tails, small heads
and large, pointed ears. Both llamas and alpacas are very
curious and enjoy human contact, but can be shy.
Alpacas are smaller than llamas and stand approximately
35 inches high at the shoulder and weigh up to 143 pounds.
Llamas stand 47 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to
250 pounds. Both graze on grass and other plants.
Llamas and alpacas are valued for their wool. The
alpaca's wool is considered more valuable and was once
worn by Incan royalty. The two types of alpacas, Huacaya
and Suri, are distinguished by their fiber. Suris have
straight wool that forms locks, while the Huacaya's wool
is fluffier in appearance and has a crimp. Alpaca wool
consists of real hair, not fleece as with sheep and llamas,
and ranges in color from pure white to rich brown. Llama
wool is found in shades of brown plus pure black and white.
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