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Class:
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Mammalia
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Order:
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Artiodactyl
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Family:
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Camelidae
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Genus:
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Vicugna
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Species:
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pacos
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Life span:
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5 – 10 years in the wild
20 years under human care |
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Gestation:
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11 – 12 months
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Number of young at birth:
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1
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Age of maturity:
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Females reach maturity at 12 – 15 months, whereas males reach maturity at about 30 – 36 months
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Size:
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36 – 51 in. tall at the shoulder
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Weight:
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120 – 145 lb
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Size at birth:
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Average around 16 lb at birth
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| Range: | Andes mountains of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile and elevations of 9,840 – 15,750 ft |
| Habitat: | Humid regions of the Andean high plateaus or altiplano where tender grass can grow |
| Diet: | Grass and woody shrubs |
Fun Facts:
- Largest populations are in Peru
- Alpacas have been used for wool and transportation. Today they are bred exclusively for wool.
- Alpacas thrive at high elevations
- Thick wool coats keep the alpacas warm
- Extra-large hearts and lungs keep their bodies well-supplied with oxygen in the thin air of their mountain homes
- Relatives: Llamas, Guanacos, Vicunas, and Camel
