Alpaca
Lama pacos
Conservation Status
Data DeficientMammalia · Artiodactyla · Camelidae
About
The alpaca is a domesticated species of South American camelid. Traditionally, alpacas were kept in herds that grazed on the level heights of the Andes of Southern Peru, Western Bolivia, Ecuador, and Northern Chile. More recently, alpacas may be found on farms and ranches worldwide, with thousands of animals born and raised annually. Alpacas are especially popular in North America, Europe, and Australia.
Fun Fact
The average lifespan of an alpaca is between 15 and 20 years, and the longest-lived alpaca on record is 28 years.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Livestock guardians (in place of dogs), and as a pack animal (beast-of-burden), owing to their nimble mountain-climbing abilities.
Diet
Eat natural unfertilized grass; however, ranchers can also supplement grass with low-protein grass hay.
Lifespan
20 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance