Animal Profiles
Mammals

Alpaca

Vicugna pacos

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The alpaca is a domesticated Andean camelid kept for its fleece. Smaller than a llama, it grazes highland vegetation and lives in herds.

Lama pacos (alpaca)

Representative species: Lama pacos.

KKPCW · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Alpacas are associated with the central and southern Andes, especially high plateaus. People also farm them outside South America.
Habitat
Mountains, Grassland
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Grasses and other low-growing highland plants supply its food.

Classification

Common name
Alpaca
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Vicugna pacos
Taxon rank
species
Order
Artiodactyla
Family
Camelidae
Genus
Vicugna
Source classification
Mammalia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Measurements

Size and speed

Weight
55 to 65 kg adult range reported by ADW

Typical adult ranges. Source: Animal Diversity Web.

Three things to know

  • Huacaya and Suri are fleece types.
  • It commonly gives birth to one young.
  • The source account uses the older name Lama pacos.

Habitat and range

Alpacas are associated with the central and southern Andes, especially high plateaus. People also farm them outside South America.

Appearance and adaptations

A slender neck, small head and dense fleece give the alpaca its appearance. Huacaya fleece is crimped, while Suri fibre hangs in longer locks.

Diet and behaviour

Grasses and other low-growing highland plants supply its food. These domesticated grazers depend on human management. Females generally bear a single calf, which feeds on milk before grazing.

Sources

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