Alpaca

Status: Domesticated.Range: South America, from southern Peru to northern Chile.Habitat: Andes Mountains, from 11,500-16,000 feet (3,500 – 5,000 m).Food: Herbivores, alpacas eat grasses, plants, and hay.Reproduction: Males mature between 2-3 years; females between 1-2 years. Gestation of 11.5 months usually results in one offspring, called a cria. Twins are rare.Facts: Herd animals, alpacas live in family groups led by an alpha male. They can live to 20 years. Alpaca fleece is valued for its lustrous, natural, hypoallergenic fibers which are used in clothing and other textiles. Alpacas are smaller than llamas but larger than vicuñas, both of which are related to them.