Differences between Llama, Alpaca, Guanaco, and Vicuña
1. Physical Characteristics
The llama has a very coarse and thick coat and it varies in colour. Llamas come in many different colours (white, black, brown, red, and piebald). The alpaca has a much finer coat and its fur is used to create a very luxurious type of wool. Alpacas come in only three natural colours: black, brown, and white. The guanaco is a very agile and wild animal and has a similar coloured coat to the alpaca.
The vicuña’s wool is the finest and rarest in the world and comes in a variety of colours. Like the alpaca, the vicuna’s wool is not extremely thick and only a small amount of fabric can be made from a substantial amount of wool. Fur coats of the vicuna and the guanaco are always the same colour as the animal’s natural coat.
The llama is the largest of the domestic camelids. Adult llamas typically stand 1.7 to 1.8 m at the top of the head, and 1.8-2.4 m at the top of the camel’s head. They weigh between 127 and 191 kg. The height of the domesticated alpaca, in comparison, ranges between 0.81m to 0.99m at the head. Guanacos are one of the largest wild camelids, measuring 1.60 m at the shoulder. The smallest species is the vicuna, standing at 0.76 m and weighing 29-32 kg.
1.1. Size and Weight
The size difference between llamas and alpacas can sometimes be difficult to determine unless there is something in the photo to provide a size perspective. When comparing to dogs or people, generally llamas appear to be quite a bit larger than alpacas. In areas of Peru where there are both llamas and alpacas, a medium to large llama is often referred to as a “half-bred”. A half-bred is a llama-alpaca hybrid.
Typically, the height of a half-bred is not much taller than the average llama, but the size of the body will be more stocky and similar to that of a llama. An alpaca is significantly smaller in body size than a guanaco. The size difference between vicuñas and the domestic camelids is similar to the difference between alpacas and llamas.
Llamas are the largest of the South American camelids and are about 4 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh between 250 and 450 pounds. Alpacas are about 36 inches tall at the shoulder and their adult weight, on average, is between 150 and 200 pounds. Guanacos are approximately 4 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh between 200 and 300 pounds. Vicuñas are the smallest of the camelids, standing at about 36 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 80 and 100 pounds.
The Correlation between Hair Color and Skin Tone
Llamas are selectively bred for their wool, which can be sheared twice a year. The wool is coarse in texture and commonly utilized for creating rugs, wall-hangings, and lead ropes. Llamas display a wide range of colors, including white, black, brown, reddish, and piebald patterns. Alpacas, often referred to as “the animal of the Andes,” are highly esteemed for their fiber. These small animals typically boast a light brown coat, although their coloration can vary from white to black. Each alpaca possesses around 4-5 pounds of incredibly fine, dense, and crimped hair.
This soft but remarkably strong fiber is then utilized to produce exceptionally warm and lightweight clothing. Alpaca fiber comes in 22 natural shades, with white, grey, fawn, and brown being the most common. The Incas regarded these special fibers as “The Fibers of the Gods” due to their incomparable softness and warmth, capable of maintaining body temperature even in the harshest climates. Consequently, only the royal class was permitted to utilize vicuña fur. This conservation effort has contributed to the survival of the wild population, and the vicuña is now the sole non-domesticated member of South American camelids, categorized as threatened/endangered.
Vicuñas produce limited quantities of extremely fine wool, which is highly valuable as they can only be sheared every three years and must be captured from the wild. Presently, these animals are primarily utilized in the tourist industry, making wool products scarce. Guanacos possess a very fine, light brown fur that darkens on their face and legs. They are the only llama species with a double coat, consisting of a soft undercoat protected by longer guard hairs. However, when guanacos are captured, their wool is usually too mixed with guard hairs to be considered suitable for producing wool. Wool from South American camelids, particularly the two domesticated species, offers numerous natural advantages stemming from the animals’ native environment.
The harsh conditions have resulted in genetic selection for water conservation and adaptability to the surroundings. Llama and alpaca wool contain significantly less lanolin compared to sheep’s wool, cashmere, or angora. While sheep’s wool typically contains 15-25% lanolin, alpaca and llama wools only have 5-10%. Lanolin is an oily and waxy substance produced in the skin of sheep that can cause allergies in certain individuals. Cashmere and angora also have allergenic properties and can induce allergic reactions.
Consequently, llamas and alpacas serve as excellent alternatives for those seeking wool products without these allergens. Additionally, wool from llamas and alpacas offers exceptional warmth and durability due to the high altitudes at which these animals reside. Woolen items made from their fibers possess water-resistant properties and are lightweight, making them ideal for outdoor use.
1.3. Facial Features
Llamas have a long, banana-shaped face with large, expressive eyes and large, curved ears. Their long face allows them to pick out vegetation more easily as they have a wider range of movement with their neck. Alpacas have a small, blunt face with a smiley expression. Alpacas have a ‘topknot‘ of shaggy hair on their forehead and also have a long beard. They have big, doe eyes and with their long eyelashes, it gives them an extra cute appearance. The nose of an alpaca is quite characteristic, featuring two ‘nostril flares’.
Anatomically speaking, alpaca noses have a hard palate which is used to distinguish between two types of vegetation before it is chewed and then swallowed. Also, these ‘nostril flares’ can be utilized to tell the difference between a llama and an alpaca, the alpaca having a more pronounced distinguishable shape. Moving onto guanacos, they are similar to llamas in the sense that they have long faces with large expressive eyes and long ears, only more pronounced. Their ears are very fine with a little bit of hair.
Vicuñas have an elegant, short face and very large, expressive eyes. Their big eyes are a characteristic used to distinguish domestic South American camelids from wild ones.
Unfortunately, the Inca belief of llamas being ‘a gift from the gods’ prevented human sacrifice of them, meaning that they became a replacement offering for the vicuñas, which meant that vicuñas would suffer poaching of their prized wool and meat from the Inca phase till the Spanish Conquest. During this period, the population of vicuñas and the use of their wool became endangered. Today, their sharing of habitat and domestic competition for grazing from other camelids puts their status at further risk. In recent years, however, conservation programs and regulation of vicuña hunting has seen a revival in numbers. Since 1987, vicuñas have been under the protection of CITES, which has prohibited international trade of vicuña fiber and hides.
2. Habitat and Distribution
Llamas are native to the Andean mountain range of South America. Today, domesticated llamas are still found mainly in Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia, the countries with the largest indigenous population of llamas. They are also common in Argentina and Chile, and can be found as far south as Patagonia. Llamas have been successfully introduced to North America, Europe, and Japan. Wild guanacos are found only in a few remote areas in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Domestic guanaco hybrids, called chilihueques, are kept throughout the Andes. Like the llama, the alpaca is also native to the Andes. Its range is identical to that of wild vicuñas, although alpacas have been successfully introduced to regions outside of the Andes.
Vicuñas are found only in the high alpine areas of the Andes. Although they share the same range as alpacas, the two species never intermingle. Vicuñas live in a very limited range, with over half of them living in Peru. During the Inca Empire, only royalty were allowed to wear the luxurious vicuña wool. Unfortunately, today, the wild vicuña population is threatened. At one time, there were an estimated 2 million vicuñas. Due to overhunting for their valuable wool, vicuña numbers dropped to about 10-15% of their original population.
Thanks to conservationists and the implementation of laws to protect the vicuña, there are an estimated 350,000 vicuñas today. This protection of the vicuña has been very successful, and in recent years, vicuña numbers have been steadily increasing.
2.1. Native Regions
Llamas (Lama glama) originate from the Andes and are still found predominantly in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile, but some have also been imported to the United States and other countries. Alpacas (Lama pacos) are from the higher altitudes of the Andes and do well in altitudes ranging from 10,000-14,000 feet. They are raised primarily in Peru and southern Ecuador and are being exported to other countries in the Andes. A small population has also been established in the United States. Both llamas and alpacas were important to ancient Andean cultures and were domesticated over 6,000 years ago.
The vicuña is the national animal of Peru and lives high in the Andes Mountains. It is a small, wild relative of the alpaca and produces extremely fine wool. For this reason, it has been heavily poached and is currently listed as endangered.
2.2. Preferred Environments
Llamas are adaptable and may live in settings ranging from mountain to desert. At elevations of 14,000 feet in their native Andes, where weather conditions range from 14°F to 80°F, they have thick, long hair to insulate them from the cold. If they overheat, they have difficulties, they are in the habit of laying in water holes to cool themselves. Llamas must consume large amounts of water, up to 7 US gallons a day. When water is scarce, they have been known to drink salty water.
In fact, they are both willing and able to drink salt water, a testament to their toughness and endurance. Llamas work and live in herds, which help protect them from predators. Llamas are very social animals and communicate with each other through various sounds including mewing, orgling, and humming. The pitch of their sounds communicates different emotions that range from alarm to contentment.
Alpacas are adapted to live in the altitudes of the Andes. That adaptability is still evident in the ease with which they adjust to different climates in captivity. Their thick fur keeps them warm during nights that often drop below freezing, and they are quite tolerant of inclement weather. Their preferred food is grass but they also eat hay. They tend to browse on plants and eat very little if any grain. When properly trained, alpacas can be very efficient, low impact packers.
Alpacas are soft-natured, intelligent, and can be very loyal if treated well. Alpacas make a humming sound when they are content. The humming is often a sign of curiosity or a greeting and can also be comfort behavior as alpacas hum when they are in distress. The sound varies and has many meanings but is the most common sound made by alpacas.
2.3. Adaptations to Different Climates
Llamas are adapted to high altitudes and cold temperatures. They get most of their food from the bunch grasses and can graze for long periods. They seek out the tenderest shoots and leaves even in the dry season. Their efficient digestive systems allow them to make the most of a small amount of food. When food is scarce, they can live off their fat stores for a long time.
Llamas possess a sociable nature and reside in groups known as herds. Among the llamas, the dominant males engage in mating more frequently than their counterparts, and a solitary male will protect a group of females. Llamas reach sexual maturity at approximately 3 years of age. It is worth noting that llamas are classified as induced ovulators, whereby the act of mating triggers the release of an egg in the female, resulting in the possibility of pregnancy. Mating generally takes place from January to March, and the gestation period for llamas lasts approximately 11 months.
Typically, a single offspring, referred to as a cria, is born. Although the cria begins consuming solid food after 2 weeks, it will continue to nurse from its mother for up to 6 months. During the initial week of life, a lower-ranked female often cares for the cria, but after this period, the cria will return to its mother.
3. Behavior and Social Structure
Llamas are highly social animals and live with others as a herd. The wool of the llama is very versatile and is used for a number of things from clothing to packing equipment. Llama fiber is very soft, durable, luxurious, and lanolin-free. While llamas are extremely social animals and prefer to live with other llamas, they do not like being in a large group. On the contrary, they much prefer only being with a few close friends.
When a single llama is kept with a group of animals (sheep or goats, for example) it considers to be its friends, the llama will often attach itself to one of the other animals and be affectionate and gentle. The llama does not usually spit at a human unless the animal is provoked or feels threatened. Llamas are territorial by nature and can become quite aggressive towards strange animals or humans that enter their domain. Each llama has a different temperament; no two are exactly alike. Llamas are known to be intelligent and can learn simple tasks after a few repetitions.
When employing a pack, llamas have the capacity to transport approximately 25% – 30% of their body weight over considerable distances. Additionally, they are utilized as valuable companions to bear heavy loads while traversing the challenging terrain of the Andes mountains. While carrying a load, llamas are capable of transporting up to 30% of their body weight for a distance spanning 5-8 miles (8-13 km).
3.1. Herd Dynamics
Llamas are highly sociable creatures and have a preference for living in groups. Their behavior is the primary aspect that defines them, followed by their body structure and the quality of their fibers. In the realm of domesticated or pet llamas, the fundamental social unit comprises three individuals: two females and a castrated male. This particular group configuration serves as an efficient defense mechanism against potential predators. Gelded llamas are relatively inexpensive yet remarkably adept at safeguarding the female members. However, when it comes to protecting sheep and goats within a herd consisting of multiple species, geldings prove to be ineffective.
The llama, being a highly social animal, is much happier in a herd containing more than 10 animals. The social dynamics in this kind of herd are very interesting. There is always a leader in the herd, often a matriarch. The matriarch may not be the oldest female; she might have taken the role by challenging the existing matriarch. Female llamas are very territorial in protecting a feeding area for her own cria and may have to challenge a matriarch several times to acquire a large and lush feeding area.
Female hierarchy is not often displayed in aggressive behavior between animals but playing a game of spitting finesse. A matriarch is often challenged by a submissive female, and the matriarch will spit at the female with the intention of warning the lower female to move back. The lower female will have to spit back at the matriarch, and if at any time she backs down, she will have to repeat the same challenging process several times before the matriarch will let her have the feeding area and admit failure.
3.2. Communication Methods
In any species, it is essential for members of the same species to be able to communicate. This is equally important in all four species. The llama has a coarse hum, which can express fear or anger. The llama also has an extremely fine-tuned body language; ear positioning can signpost mood, much like a dog. Ears back and a flattened posture indicate fear or submission. Ears laid flat to the side combined with staring is a sign of anger. A frightened or submissive llama may hiss, and if agitated they may also spit.
The sound an alpaca makes is known as “orgling”, this is a musical humming sound often made by the male during the mating season, though it is not exclusively a mating call. Lack of information is available about guanaco vocalisation, and as for llamas, guanacos are able to communicate through body language. Vicuñas are said to be able to communicate by spitting at each other (much like the llama), however this is a soundless form of communication. Vicuñas possess a sophisticated series of vocalisations which are often used as warning calls to other vicuñas.
3.3. Reproduction and Parenting
The reproductive habits and cycles of camelids are similar to those of small ruminants. The female has a three-chambered reproductive system and can conceive at any time of the year, although birth peaks are usually seen following the rains. Female maturity varies greatly with geographical location and habitat from 12 months in captivity to 3 years in the wild. Puberty occurs when the llama reaches 60-70% of its mature weight. The gestation period is 340 days. The birthing process takes 30 minutes and the cria is on its feet in an additional 30 minutes.
Mothers do not lick off their newborns, rather the cria will roll around in the dung pile. Young males are called llamois, and converse to the rest of the llama society, male llamois will form a herd of their own. Llamoids have duller hair and a different ear shape from adult llamas. Llamoids will not reach adult colour and conformation until they are approximately 3 years old. Llamas and alpacas will continue to grow and change in conformation from birth to old age.
The llama’s life expectancy is approximately 15-20 years, making it one of the longest living domestic animals. An average llama will produce 3-5 crias in its lifetime. Llama reproduction with other camelids is possible with fertile offspring occurring from llama x guanaco matings. Generally, llama x alpaca matings are not successful. Cross-breeding between the different species is discouraged in many areas where pure breeding is desired for the numerous diversified wool and conformational traits in the four different species.
3.4. Interactions with Humans
Interactions between humans and camelids have been recorded for the last 4,000 years and have greatly influenced the lifestyle of Andean camelids and the characteristics that have led to the domestication of the llama and alpaca. All camelids have been utilized as a form of meat resource, with some societies favoring one species over others. Llamas have long been used as pack animals. Using the Colca Canyon in Peru as an Incan road shows the extent of their utilization, which continues today.
This interaction is encouraged through the “strengthening” of a llama for several years until it is fit for work. This may occur in a remote area, as it does in Tusheti, Georgia, and can involve a llama becoming a family pet, as it does in the USA, UK, and Australia. The alpaca’s main use to Andean people has been its fleece. It has been bred for this characteristic and can produce three different qualities of fleece for diverse usage. It is also used for meat; however, alpaca meat in Peruvian society is often considered to be of lesser quality than that of sheep or cattle.
The vicuña and, to a lesser extent, the guanaco have been historically hunted in the wild or more recently sheared for their fine fleece. The fleece of the vicuña is the finest of any animal and has been a popular trading commodity for centuries, which has led to the near extinction of the wild vicuña in the 1960s. Efforts to protect the species and regulate the shearing have been in place, with notable increases in vicuña numbers in Peru and Bolivia. However, poaching was and still is a problem. One way of boosting the vicuña population and income for local people has been to capture vicuñas and keep them in captivity, shearing them for their valuable fleece.
4. Utilization and Economic Importance
Llamas are used as pack animals because their loads are heavier than those of donkeys. They are mostly used in the Andes because they are adapted to high altitudes where no other animal can go. They are very efficient, able to carry up to 25-30% of their body weight and travel about 25 miles in one day. They are gentle and easy to train. Trained llamas form a strong bond with their owner and will hum to them while on the trail.
Llamas are also a good source of wool, although not as good as alpacas. This is another reason why they are rarely killed for their meat or hides. Llama wool is of good quality, but not as high as that of alpacas. The coarser guard hair from llamas is often used for rugs and rope. Their wool comes in many different colors and is very water-resistant due to a heavy lanolin content.
Alpacas were very important in Inca society. The Incas used selective breeding to develop alpacas with fine wool in large quantities. Alpaca wool is still relied upon for its quality and is a source of income for many Andean families. Both llama and alpaca wool are significantly softer and of higher quality than sheep’s wool, and they have unique thermal properties. An in-depth description of alpaca wool can be found from this link. Alpacas are still used as pack animals, although to a lesser extent than llamas. They can carry about 20% of their body weight and are easier to keep due to their size and diet preferences.
The guanaco is not used as a domesticated animal and remains the only animal living in the wild. Guanacos are still hunted for their meat, hides, and wool, but the benefits received do not match the international price for these goods. Guanaco wool is very soft, but it is not available in high quantities because guanacos are constantly on the move to avoid predators. Without shearing, guanaco wool can range from light brown to deep brown, and after rain, it is not uncommon to see rainwater beaded on the surface of their coat.
Due to the elusive nature of the vicuna, the value of its wool, and its proximity to the more valuable alpaca, the vicuna is often poached and becomes a victim of traps set for other Andean animals. The vicuna was treasured in Inca society, and its wool was used to make garments for Incan royalty. During Spanish colonization (16th to 19th century), the vicuna was almost hunted to extinction for its wool. Today, there is an exclusive market for vicuna wool where higher quality wool can reach prices around $300 per yard. Conservation efforts and sustainable methods of harvest have allowed the vicuna population to slowly increase.
4.1. Uses of Llama, Alpaca, Guanaco, and Vicuña
The llama is primarily utilized as a means of transportation for goods across different terrains. It is renowned for its high levels of eagerness and alertness, as well as its ability to adapt well to high altitudes. The indigenous Quechua and Aymara communities in South America have relied on llamas as pack animals for centuries. In fact, during the Inca Empire, they were the sole form of domestic transportation in the Andes region. Alpacas have been domesticated for thousands of years and are predominantly used by local populations for wool production, which holds significant economic importance in Andean cultures.
On occasion, alpacas are also utilized as a source of meat, albeit at a cost. In the textile industry, alpaca wool is categorized into 22 natural shades. Guanacos are hunted for their meat and hides in certain areas, while a few individuals are raised as domesticated animals. Recently, there has been an endeavor to domesticate guanacos in order to replicate the quality of vicuna wool at a more affordable price. In rural regions of South America, a technique known as Ch’arki or charque is employed to preserve meat through freeze-drying.
The carcass is sliced into thin pieces, salted, and then left to freeze in the dry atmosphere of high altitudes, allowing the sun to remove moisture from the meat. This dried meat is consumed by humans and also serves as feed for dogs. A similar method is occasionally used on vicuna meat, resulting in a sun-dried carcass called chalona. The meat and wool derived from guanacos, along with the products generated from llamas, are regarded as the “four treasures” of the Incas. Presently, llamas continue to be used as pack animals and are utilized as leaders for sheep and goat herds, both in hidden and rural areas.
The cargo they carry often includes small llama figurines, which are made from lead and employed in traditional rituals. Pack llamas have gained popularity in treks across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. In recent years, there has been a limited-scale breeding of llamas in other countries, with the aim of using them as companion animals or harnessing their strength as an alternative to farm mechanization.
Vicunas have very fine wool which is highly sought after due to its quality and the animal’s silky feel. In the pre-Columbian era, the Incas reserved vicuñas for the production of cloth for the nobles. Today, the vicuña is the national animal of Peru and its appearance on the Peruvian coat of arms attests to the importance of its wool to Peruvian culture. It is illegal to kill a vicuña, and the fine wool is obtained by shearing the live animals. A major obstacle in recent years to the vicuna and the other camelids has been the shrinkage of their natural habitat and the often fatal effects of the Mange Parasite, Sarcoptes scabiei.
A campaign known as the International Vicuña Consortium has been established to rejuvenate the population and support development by providing opportunities to communities for the sustainable use of the vicuña and its fiber. Today, the most expensive wool comes from the vicuña, which is obtained in sustainable annual shearing that doesn’t harm the animal.
4.2. Commercial Value and Products
The llama has the highest commercial value of the four species, largely due to its use as a pack animal for the Andean peoples. Their wool is coarser than that of the alpaca, but llama wool is still of relatively good quality and is a widely used and inexpensive material for cord and coarse cloth in the Andes. Additionally, their hides are a source of leather and their meat is occasionally used for food. Alpaca wool is of the highest commercial value in terms of fiber from these animals, due to its quality and the relative ease with which it is obtained.
Alpaca wool is used for high quality textiles, much of which is exported. The additional benefit of using these animals as a source of wool is that yearly shearing of fiber can be obtained without incurring any negative effects for the animals, provided they are taken care of properly.This is an important and unique contrast to acquiring fibers and hides of other animals which may need to be killed or sacrificed to acquire these materials. This is especially relevant for the vicuña, which was once an endangered species due to illegal poaching and attempts to capture them as livestock.
This elite status of their wool as “The Fiber of the Gods” has placed the vicuña in a difficult crossroads between its status as a wild animal and its potential as a domestic livestock. Unfortunately, much of the wool from vicuñas being held in captivity comes from shearing the animals in zoos and preserves which usually is of lower quality than that of the wild vicuñas, and it is up to the discretion of the global market whether using captive vicuñas will detract from the people’s perception of vicuña wool as an elite material.
Though vicuña wool has the potential to be the highest valued animal fiber were it to be mass produced, it may be to the benefit of vicuñas and their Andean homeland that their wool never becomes a common material and they are able to remain wild and free animals. Wild vicuñas and guanacos have sometimes been killed by Andean peoples for their meat, but hunting of these animals has generally been discouraged and regulated in the interest of conservation for these species.
Both guanacos and vicuñas have the lowest value of these animals as a direct source of materials and fiber, but their populations have been able to rebound and it has become more widely recognized that the best way to maintain these species is to maintain their natural habitats and prevent commercial exploitation of the animals themselves.
4.3. Conservation Efforts and Challenges
According to Mammals of the Neotropics, the big picture for the preservation of camelids in general is not good. This means wild members of the Camelidae family are declining in population. The loss of habitat is usually the first problem, with new domestic species pushing out the old. This later leads to poaching of an easy and valuable food source for animals, which has happened to the guanaco in Peru. This affects the vicuna, who shares the same habitat.
One of the biggest conservation efforts for the guanaco and its wild camelid counterparts is the creation of protected reserves and vicuna national parks in Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile. So far, vicuna wool from sustainable sites has been able to be bought by high-end companies and associations registered as social economies to legally produce the fine clothing that people buy today. This has been one of the more successful conservation strategies, allowing the local people to be involved. A resurgence of (now legal) vicuna hunting has been allowed in limited areas in a very controlled environment with quotas to obtain wool and reduce numbers.
There are, however, many challenges that come with this. In 2003, Argentina passed a law that would permit the use of guanaco meat and a few products made from vicuna wool when it had been illegal contraband. Low populations would not attribute enough stock, and a black market industry is possible, reinstating the initial problems. The global issue is that while llama and alpaca are quite safe, their wild counterparts live in countries with frequent political unrest.
