The llama and the alpaca are native animals of the Andes and very important for the countries of the region. Due to hybridization and the near extinction of South American camelids during the Spanish invasion, the true origins of the llama, the alpaca were not known with certainty for many years and other animals belonging to the same family. Although these origins have already been clarified, it is normal to want to know what the differences are between the llama and the alpa due to their apparent similarities.
In this article on our site, we will see that to really know the distinction between alpaca and llama, it is essential to know their respective Andean relatives: the vicuña and the guanaco.
South American camelids: what they are and types
According to the article 'Systematics, taxonomy and domestication of alpacas and llamas: new chromosomal and molecular tests', published in the Chilean Journal of Natural History [1], in South America there are 4 species of South American camelids, two of which are wild and two have been domesticated. They are as follows:
- Guanaco (Lama guanicoe).
- Llama (Lama glama).
- Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna).
- Alpaca (Vicugna pacos).
In this way, as we can see, both the llama and the alpaca are South American camelids, one of the reasons why it is difficult differentiate a llama from an alpaca. In fact, as we will see below, despite the physical similarity and popularity, a llama is much more similar to a guanaco, just as the alpaca is more similar to a vicuña, than the similarities that we can find between llama and alpaca..
Similarities between llama and alpaca
In addition to the physical similarities they have in common, the confusion between llama and alpaca is more than understandable, since both belong to the same Camelidae family, which is also the same as camels, dromedaries, vicuñas and guanacos: they are all mammals ruminant artiodactyls Because of this, it is normal that we wonder what is the difference between a llama and an alpaca. Before answering this question, let's see how the two animals are alike.
Some common aspects that can make us confuse llama and alpaca are:
- Common habitat.
- They are herbivorous animals.
- They go in a pack.
- Meek temperament.
- They spit when they're angry.
- Physical appearance.
- Soft fur.
Because of all this, it is understandable that it is difficult for us to know the difference between llama and alpaca.
Difference between llama and alpaca
The main difference between llama and alpaca is the fact that they are of different species: Lama glama and Vicuña pacos. The origin of llamas and alpacas is a controversial topic among scholars. As we have already explained, the high rate of hybridization made the study of species very difficult. Despite the similarities, according to the cited article from the Revista Chilena de Historia Natural [2], in fact, genetically speaking, theguanacos are closer to llamas, while vicuñas are closer to alpacas at the chromosomal and taxonomic level.
Alpaca vs. call
Still, without having to look at the DNA, there are some clearly noticeable differences between the alpaca and the llama:
- Size: An alpaca is clearly smaller than a llama. The same goes for weight, llamas are heavier than alpacas.
- Neck: Note that llamas have a longer neck than alpacas and can exceed the size of an adult human.
- Ears: While llamas have long, pointed ears, alpacas have rather rounded ears.
- Snout: Alpacas have a longer, more protruding snout than llamas.
- Fur: Llama wool is coarser.
- Personality: Alpacas are more shy around humans, while llamas are known to be outgoing and even "daring".
You may also find this other article about The 35 cutest animals in the world interesting.
Characteristics of alpacas (Vicugna pacos)
It is estimated that the domestication of the alpaca began 6,000 or 7,000 years ago in the Peruvian Andes. Today it can be found in Chile, Andean Bolivia and Peru, where its largest population is found. These are some of the alpaca characteristics:
- They have been tamed.
- They are smaller than the llama.
- They have 22 shades of colors that go from white to black (going through brown and gray).
- Soft and long fur.
An alpaca is clearly smaller than a llama, since it measures between 1.20 m and 1.50 m and canweigh up to 90 kg Unlike the llama, the alpaca is not used as a pack animal. However, the wool of the alpaca also drives the local economy today and its fur is considered "more valuable" than that of the llama.
As in the case of llamas, alpacas are also known for the reaction of spitting to defend themselves, despite the fact that they are docile animals. Huacaya and Suri are the two breeds of Vicugna Pacos and they differ by their coat type.
Now that you know that alpacas are domestic animals in these areas of Latin America, you may also be interested in this other article about 12 animals of Patagonia.
Characteristics of llamas (Lama glama)
The llama, in turn, is the largest camelid in South America and can weigh up to 150 kg. Bolivia is currently the country with the highest concentration of llamas, but they can also be found in Argentina, Chile, Peru and Ecuador. The flame characteristics are:
- It is the largest camelid in South America.
- They can measure up to 1.40 m and weigh up to 150 kg.
- It has been tamed.
- Long, woolly fur.
- The color of its wool varies from white to dark brown.
Studies estimate that at least 6,000 years ago, the llama was already a domestic animal in the Andes for the Incas (for the cargo transport and wool production), moved the local economy and accompanied the royal armies, which contributed to its distribution throughout the region. To this day, their long, woolly fur in colors ranging from white to dark brown is a source of survival for local families in these regions.
Like alpacas, they feed on bushes, grass and hay. Despite their calm and docile temperament, they can become easily irritated and sneeze mucus in defense.
Characteristics of vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna)
Despite not being related, there are also those who confuse vicuñas with North American antelopes (Antilocapra americana), due to their appearance, size and way of walking. They usually go in packs made up of relatives or males. It is rare to see a vicuña wandering alone, but when they are seen, they are usually single males without a pack. These are the characteristics of vicuñas:
- It is the smallest camelid, measuring a maximum of 1.30 m and weighing up to 40 kg.
- They have a reddish-brown coloration on the back, while the belly and thigh are white. His face is also lighter.
- Its teeth resemble those of rodents.
- They have deeply split hooves.
- They are wild animals.
According to a study published by Cristián Bonacic [3], among the camelids of the Andes, the vicuña is the camelidsmallest (measures a maximum of 1.30 m in height with a maximum weight of 40 kg). In addition to its size, another characteristic that differentiates it from the species of its family is its more deeply divided hooves, which allow it to move quickly and nimbly over the slopes and loose stones common to 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 bushes and herbs close to the ground
It usually inhabits Andean regions (central Peru, western Bolivia, northern Chile and northwestern Argentina) that are 4,600 meters above sea level. Its fine coat is known for being 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.
The vicuña is a camelid that has already been at high risk of extinction due to its illegal hunting. But in addition to man, dogs, pumas and Andean foxes are some of its most common predators.
Characteristics of guanacos (Lama guanicoe)
The guanaco can be seen in arid and semi-arid environments in South America (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Argentina) at an altitude of 5.200 meters. Currently, Peru is the country where it is most commonly found. The characteristics of the guanaco are:
- It is the largest wild artiodactyl in South America.
- It measures up to 1.30 m and can weigh up to 90 kg.
- Its fur can be different shades of brown with a white belly and chest.
- Your face is grey.
- He usually has his ears up.
- His eyes are big and brown.
- Its fur is shorter than the previous animals.
- It's a wild animal.
Compared to the rest of the animals described in this article, the guanaco is distinguished by having a shorter coat, but also by their small, pointed ears and striking brown eyes. Another aspect to highlight about the Lama Guanicoe is its energetic way of walking and the fact that it can go up to 4 days without water.
A curiosity about South American camelids
All of them defecate and urinate in 'community dump piles' from their herd or another nearby, which can be 30 cm thick and 4 meters in diameter. At an ecological level, it is known that in the place where these animals defecate and urinate, after the rainy season, a bright green vegetation grows that stands out in the aridity of the puna.