Alpaca
Basic Information:
Scientific Name: Visugna pacos
Habitat: Alpacas can be found throughout the temperate, mountainous regions of South America.
Diet: Alpacas mostly eat grass but can also eat wood, bark, and stems.
Size: 2.7 to 3.2 feet tall / 3.9 to 7 feet long
Weight: 110 to 190 pounds
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Distribution Map:
I.U.C.N. Conservation Status:
What does this mean?
Least Concern – a species determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.) to be pervasive, abundant, and thriving.
Our Alpacas:
Rocky/Roque (Male) – Born September 5, 2005
Paqo (Male) – Born June 13, 2008
Kachay (Female) – Born September 20, 2008
Ozomatli/Oso (Male) – Born September 30, 2008
About Alpacas:
There are no wild alpaca in the world anymore since they have become and entirely domesticated species. This process into complete domesticity began around 6,000 years ago in South America. Unlike the closely related solitary Llamas, Alpacas are herd animals and feel the safest while they are in groups.
Did You Know?!
- Alpacas create a community bathroom spot to keep poo away from their grazing areas.
- Alpacas have soft, padded feet that don’t damage delicate grasses as they graze and walk around.
- Alpacas are part of the camel family while also includes llamas, guanacos, and vicunas.