Alpacas (Lama pacos)

Now raised as a domesticated animal for its long, lustrous fleece, ranging from black, through shades of brown, to white. Their fleece is used for fine textiles and was once reserved only for high-ranking Incas. Flocks of alpaca are kept by indigenous people in the highlands of Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. They feed on grasses growing close to the snow line, and they require a pure water supply.

Alpacas stand about 1 m (3 ft) tall at the shoulder with neck and head another 60 cm (2 ft). They are smaller than llamss and are not used to trasnport loads. They prefer to live in herds and are generally gentle, but can kick and spit when threatened.

Their meat is considered a delicacy, but alpacas are now protected by the Peruvian government. See Alpacas for additional information.