Species · GBIF taxon 7515593
Vicugna pacos
vicugna pacosAlso known as Huacaya Alpaca, Suri Alpaca
Alpacas are highly social herd animals famous for their exceptionally soft, flame-resistant fleece and gentle, inquisitive nature. They communicate through a series of soft hums, sharp alarm calls, and expressive ear positions. Unlike llamas, these smaller camelids were bred primarily for fiber production rather than as beasts of burden.
DomesticatedHerbivoreSocial
Licensed referenceKKPCW / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasses, hay, and low-protein foliage
Predators
- Puma
- Andean Fox
- Domestic Dog
ThreatsPredation by wild carnivores, heat stress, and parasites
HabitatsHigh-altitude grasslands, pastures, and farmland
Life span15 to 20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderArtiodactyla
- FamilyCamelidae
- GenusVicugna
- Speciesvicugna pacos
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Generally gentle but may spit, kick, or charge if cornered; maintain a respectful distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Can deliver a powerful kick with their hind legs or spit acidic stomach contents when threatened.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognizable by their long necks, soft fleece, and shorter, blunter ears compared to llamas.
- What to do
- Never corner an alpaca or approach from behind; speak softly and allow them to move away.
Responsible observation
- Approach calmly: Move slowly and avoid direct eye contact to prevent startling them.
- Watch body language: Lowered ears and a raised chin indicate they are annoyed and may spit.
- Avoid the rear: Stand to the side or front to avoid being kicked by their hind legs.
Wild Ancestor Thomas Quine / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Lucyin, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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