The Alpaca World

Alpacas were present in South America, but they came from Peru. They are located at the foot of some high mountains and plateaux, such as the Andes in Bolivia and the foothills of the western and the eastern Cordillera. In Altiplano and the Desaguadero Basin a lower community stays. Over time, they spread to Argentina, Chile and Ecuador in the South American areas. In the wild, alpacas live in regions of 9,840 to 15,750 meters above sea level. There are reportedly over 350,000 Alpacas in the world and Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile are the world’s largest herd. There are a few alpacas found in Salar de Uyuni near the Lake Titicaca hydrographic area.

Alpacas overview

Alpacas are ruminants known as Camelid family members. The Guanaco, Ilama, Vicuna and Camel are the family. Adult alpacas have an elongated neck and a short head about 3 meters high. Their feet have two toes on the front and soft pads, which makes it possible to graze easily with low pressure on the ground. The animals are very friendly but very inquisitive, with an elongated neck character. Two alpaca races exist, the Huacaya and the Suri.

Alpacas Huacayas

Huacayas are the most common alpaca breed. They’ve got fluffy, crimpy fur that looks like a teddy bear. The animal is thought to have existed in the wild thousands of years ago in post-colonial Peru. Their adaptation is reinforced by their heavier fleece covering, so that they thrive in higher Andes attitudes. Their voluminous rounded appearance retains their energy to thrive in the cold habitat.

Alpacas Suri

This ethnicity is the minority of the nation. Their wild, indigenous habitat was in Peru’s pre-Columbian area. Their wild lodging was mostly in a lower location so a very thick fleece was not required. The Suri breed is distinguished by lustrous wave hair that falls loosely to the ground.

Alpaca domestication

Initially Alpacas were domesticated by local Indians close to the Andes. Because of the popularity of the fleece, they were smuggled into different states in the U.S., Australia and the UK. Currently, alpacas are found across the globe and are bred as livestock for their long luscious hair. Their fleece comes in twenty-two colors and makes fabric factories very prestigious. Peru is the largest Alpaca fiber producer and importer.

Popping and Conservation

Due to the loss of its natural habitat on the Andes, the number of Alpacas declined significantly during the Spanish invasion around 1532. As a result, the few surviving alpacas moved up the mountain, where they adapted very easily. They adapt easily to climatic conditions as temperatures adjust quickly. Alpacas best thrive in warm and moist high altitude areas such as the ones on the north and west side of Altiplano. They adapt and they are herbivores to areas where green matter grows. Your digestive system is divided into three compartments, each of which plays an essential role in translating food into energy. The experience helps them to adapt to the mountains where tender grass thrives. Alpacas, however are endangered species, so it is a priority to protect their natural habitat.