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Alpacas are gentle, graceful, intelligent long-necked fur-bearing creatures raised for their warm and luxurious fleece. Members of the camel family as well as Lama, they come from South America where they have existed for thousands of years. Believed to be among the first animals ever domesticated by man, they have been bred and raised for the past 5000 years by the Incas and their descendants.
Almost all alpacas are domesticated now. The majority of alpacas found in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Chile and Bolivia where alpacas have adapted to the cold weather at 4000 meters elevation.
Alpacas come in two flavors, each with a funny South American name: Huacayas and Suris. These are based on the way the fiber grows on the animal.
The Huacaya has a fuzzy teddy-bear-like coat with tightly bunched curls that makes for a somewhat fluffy appearance.
The Suri has lengthy flowing fiber that hangs down the side in long silky strings, the locks appearing somewhat like Rastafarian dreadlocks.
FAQ about alpaca:
What is the difference between llamas and alpacas?
Llamas were raised for centuries in South America as beasts of burden. Alpacas have been bred for thousands of years for their fine fiber.
How many alpacas are in the World?
There are between 3.5 to 4 million Alpacas in South America (approximately 75% in Peru), which accounts for almost 99 % of the world population.
Just to compare Australia alone is home to over 120 million sheep, but China for 40 million cashmere goats.
What is alpaca lifespan?
Alpacas have a lifespan of 20-25 years.
Are there wild alpacas?
No. Alpacas have been domesticated for over five thousand years.
What is Baby Alpaca?
Baby Alpaca is the most rare and finest classification of Alpaca fiber. Don't worry, it is simply a measure of fiber density, not fleece from baby alpacas.
How long has alpaca been used as clothing?
Alpaca was the fiber reserved for Inca royalty dating back thousands of years. In the mid 1800's Sir Titus Salt (England) discovered the alpaca fiber and fashioned the first modern alpaca garments. |
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