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Camelids of the AndesCamelids are even-toed ungulates: hoofed mammals, distinguished by their elongated double-toed splayed feet. They are mostly large, plant-eating animals that differ from ruminants, such as cows and sheep, in several important ways: they have a three-There are four species of camelids in the Andes: llamas, guanacos, alpacas and vicunas. The indigenous people of Peru and the Andes have bred, developed and depended on these animals for centuries. The two wild species of camelids are the Guanacos and vicuņas. Llamas are descended from Guanacos and Alpacas from vicuņas. One can observe wild herds of guanacos, (Lama guanicoe,) running freely on the open plains of the Peruvian Andes. They are tall, elegant creatures with long necks and reddish brown double coated pelts. They live in small herds comprised of a male, his harem of females and their young. The llama (Lama peruana) was developed from the guanaco by indigenous livestock breeders over the centuries. Because of the fact that they a Alpacas (Vicugna pacos) do not carry loads; they have been developed for their fiber and their meat. Alpaca wool is highly valued for its softness, lightness and warmth. They are woolly and have a more uniform color than llamas. They also have straight ears and short tails, as opposed to the "tipped" ears and longer tails of llamas. Their fleece is washed, spun into thread, dyed and woven into garments, blankets, sweaters, hats, etc. Smaller and more delicate than the Guanaco, the vicuņa (Vicugna vicugna) is the smallest camelid. Their wool is very soft and fine, and highly valued, and, in the time of the Inka, was worn only by royalty. They have recently been downgraded form endangered to vulnerable, as their population has increased form around 60,000 to 250,000 animals in recent years. This is due to the success of indigenous management programs. All four species of camelids may be seen and enjoyed in Peru, the Land of the Inka. Visit us at Kuoda Tours website. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com www.inturkuoda.com Permalink: http://expert-talk.com/tips/91/camelids-of-the-andes-129091.htm Related Tips and Advices | Related Tags            |
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