The llama and the alpaca are animals originating in the Andes and very important for the countries of the region, due to the hybridization and near extinction of the South American camelids during the Spanish invasion, for many years the true origin of the llama, the alpaca and Other animals. belonging to the same family were not known with certainty, although these origins have already been clarified, it is normal to want to know what the differences are between the alpaca and the llama due to their apparent similarities.
Thus, in this article by Animal Expert, with all the information we have collected, you will also understand that to really know the distinction between alpaca and llama, it is essential to know their respective Andean parents: vigogne and guanaco.Hello happy to meet you !
- In addition to the common kindness.
- The confusion between the flame and the alpaca is more than understandable since they both belong to the same family of camelids.
- Which is also the same as camels.
- Camels.
- Vigogne and guanaco.
- All are ruminant artiodactyl mammals.
Some common aspects that can lead us to confuse the flame and alpaca are:
According to the article “Systematics, taxonomy and domestication of alpacas and llamas: new chromosomal and molecular evidence”, published in the Revista Chilena de Histaria Natural [1], in South America there are 4 species of South American camelids, including two wild and two domesticated, they are :
In fact, as we will see below, despite the physical similarity and popularity, a flame looks much more like a guanaco, just as alpaca looks more like a vigogne than the similarities between the flame and the alpaca.
The main difference between flame and alpaca is that they belong to different species: Lama glama and Vicuña pacos, the origin of flames and alpacas is a controversial topic among researchers, as explained, the high rate of hybridization has made it difficult to study species.Despite the similarities, according to the article cited in the Chilean Journal of Natural Histaria [1], in fact, genetically speaking, guanacos are closer to the flames, while the vigunas are closer to the alpacas at the chromosomal and taxonomic level.
Even so, without having to look at the DNA, there are clearly noticeable differences between alpaca and llama:
It is estimated that the domestication of the alpacas began 6,000 or 7,000 years ago in the Peruvian Andes, today it is located in Chile, Andean Bolivia and Peru, where its largest population is located.
It is clearly smaller than a flame, measuring between 1.20 my 1.50 my can weigh up to 90 kg.Unlike flame, alpaca is not used as a cargo animal, however, alpaca fiber (wool) is also the engine of locals.economy today and its fiber is considered “more valuable” than that of the flame.
As in the case of flames, alpacas are also known for the sputum reaction to defend themselves, even if they are docile animals.Huacaya and Suri are the two breeds of Vicugna Pacos and are differentiated by the type of fur.
The flame, in turn, is the largest camellia in South America and can weigh up to 150 kg.Bolivia is currently the country with the highest concentration of flames, but they are also found in Argentina, Chile, Peru and Ecuador.
Studies estimate that at least 6000 years ago, the llama was already domesticated in the Andes by the Incas (for the transport of cargo and wool production), it displaced the local economy and accompanied the royal armies, which contributed to its distribution. throughout the region. To date, her long wool coat in colors ranging from white to dark brown is a source of survival for local families in these areas.
Like alpacas, they feed on grass, grass and hay, and despite their calm and docile temperament, they can easily irritate and sneeze mucus so it led them to this state.
Although not related, some people also mistake vigognes for American antelopes (American antilocapra), for their appearance, size and walking style, usually walking as a family or in groups of males, it is rare to see a vigogne wandering alone, but when they see them, they are usually single males without herds.
According to a study published by Christian Bonacic [2], among the Andean camelids, the vicuña is the smallest (measures a maximum of 1.30 m in height for a maximum weight of 40 kg).In addition to its size, another feature that distinguishes it from the species of its family are its more deeply divided hulls, which allow it to move quickly and quickly along the common slopes and loose stones of the puna, its habitat.Its teeth, which resemble those of rodents, also differentiate it from other species.It is with their help that they feed on shrubs and pastures near the ground.
It usually inhabits the Andean regions (central Peru, western Bolivia, northern Chile and northwestern Argentina) to 4,600 meters above sea level, its fine fur is known to be a wool of excellent quality that protects it from the cold of the region, but it also has a high commercial value since the pre-Columbian era.
Vigogne is a camellia that is at high risk of extinction due to its illegal hunting, but in addition to humans, domestic dogs, pumas and Andean foxes are among its most common predators.
The guanaco can be seen in the arid and semi-arid environments of South America (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Argentina) at an altitude of 5200 meters, Peru is currently the country where it is most commonly located.
It is distinguished by its shorter fur, but also by its small pointed ears and striking brown eyes.Another aspect that stands out about the Lama Guanicoe is the way you walk with energy and the fact that you can spend up to 4 days without water.
All defecate and urinate in “community manure heaps”, their herd or another, which can be a foot thick and four meters in diameter. Ecologically, we know that instead of these heaps of feces and pee, after the rainy season, a bright green vegetation grows that stands out in the aridity of the puna.
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