Alpaca, or llama, is a representative of the camel family. This animal is bred for the sake of warm and very soft wool, as well as for meat and milk. This species is sometimes used as a beast of burden or just a pet.
Alpaca belongs to the genus Vicunas of the camel family of the artiodactyl order. The animal's habitat is Peru in the Andes region, northern Chile, Ecuador and Bolivia. This is an alpine species, alpacas can live at an altitude of 5000 m.
Alpacas have been cultivated for over 5000 years. This species of animals is a distant relative of llamas. Alpaca is cut once a year. The fur of this animal is of particular value. The wool has small curls, which gives it softness and protection in cold weather. In addition, it is completely non-allergic due to the lack of organic fats in it.
The animal is medium-sized, up to a meter in size, its weight is about 70 kg, the length of the wool is up to 20 cm. There are two varieties of alpacas - Suri and Huakaya, which differ from each other in the structure of their wool. Suri's coat is slightly longer, gently sloping down the sides. Alpaca wool is used to make clothes, carpets, rugs, which are exported to European countries. By the way, alpaca wool came to European countries only in the 17th century.
The upper lip of the alpaca is forked, the front teeth are constantly growing, which allows the animal to eat rough food. Alpacas feed on various plants, they are completely picky about food, they are looking for food in the mountains, examining the area.
Puberty in alpacas occurs at about 2 years of age. The animal is able to reproduce all year round, pregnancy lasts 11 months, after which the only cub appears. Alpacas live for a long time, up to 20 years, sometimes a little longer.