of Camelids (Camels)
This WORLD is represented by the Alpaca, one of the smallest in the Camel family
and closely related to other South American Camelids the Vicuna, Llama and
Common Name: Alpaca
Genus/Species: Vicuna pacos
Andes of central Peru to western Bolivia.
Alpine grassland, meadows and marshes.
Physical appearance may slightly vary depending on geographic area. The Alpaca is basically a Vicuna with hair.
Domesticated, but too small to carry heavy loads, alpacas are raised for
their heavy coats of long fine wool and in South America for their meat.
Alpacas are seasonal breeders and mate lying down on their chests, copulation
lasting 10 ‑ 20 minutes. They are induced ovulators, give birth to only a single
offspring in a standing position and neither lick the newborn nor eat the
afterbirth. The newborn is mobile and following its mother within 15 ‑ 30
minutes. The female comes into heat
again 24 hours after birth, but usually does not mate for two weeks.
STATUS in Natural Habitat:
Stable. There are some wild herds.
Alpacas are most closely related to the vicuna. They are the smallest
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