The alpaca (Vicugna pacos) comes mainly from Peru. A member of the camel family, they were domesticated for their wool some time before 3000 BC.
Alpacas were a central part of Incan culture but were almost exterminated to make room for European domestic animals. The highland inhabitants saved the species by moving their herds to higher elevation.
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Alpacas were a central part of Incan culture but were almost exterminated to make room for European domestic animals. The highland inhabitants saved the species by moving their herds to higher elevation.
The alpaca, a surefooted animal, is smaller than the llama, has longer, softer wool, and ordinarily is not used as a beast of burden.
Like the llama and camel, the aplaca spits when angry.
After 11 months’ gestation the female gives birth to one offspring.
The young have short wool until they mature.
Its wool comes in 22 natural colors, the most of any wool-producing animal.
During breeding, the male alpaca emits a unique throaty vocalization called “orgling.”
The main noise alpacasm make is a Hum, which you’ll hear when they're curious, content, worried, bored, fearful, distressed or cautious. Mothers and babies also hum to each other.
Its wool comes in 22 natural colors, the most of any wool-producing animal.
During breeding, the male alpaca emits a unique throaty vocalization called “orgling.”
The main noise alpacasm make is a Hum, which you’ll hear when they're curious, content, worried, bored, fearful, distressed or cautious. Mothers and babies also hum to each other.
Some free range turkey farms use alpacas to guard their flocks from foxes, since alpacas are extremely territorial and will accept the turkeys as part of their herd, defending them by chasing off predators.
Alpacas can die of loneliness, which is why they're bought in pairs.
Funk & Wagnells Encyclopedia
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