For thousands of years, alpacas and llamas have worked for humans as their means of transportation.
These creatures have been used for the production of fleece as well. Both species belong to the Camelid family of camels and are mostly found in parts of Bolivia and Peru as well.
The lamoid species consists of four different species. Alpacas, llamas, vicua and guanaco. From which the latter two are wild species. Although telling the difference between llamas and alpacas can be challenging, the difference between the two, both llamas and alpacas can be seen if you look closely. Continue reading to learn more about llamas and alpacas.
How to tell the difference between alpacas and llamas?
The size, hair, and face shapes of alpacas and llamas are the most noticeable physical characteristics. Alpacas and llamas differ in temperament, which has influenced how humans treat them. Let’s now discuss some key features with which you can tell the difference between llamas and alpacas.
You can tell the difference easily between an alpaca and a llama. Alpacas are around 36 in (90 cm) tall at the shoulder with a weight of up to 143.3 lb (65 kg). Whereas llamas are tall at the shoulder at about 47.2 in (120 cm) with a weight of up to 249.1 lb (113 kg).
The face size differs between alpacas and llamas. Alpacas have a blunt sort of small face. Llamas on the other hand has a long face. Llamas and alpacas also have very different ears. Llamas have banana-shaped ears and alpacas have short spear-shaped ears.
The wool or fiber of llamas and alpacas differs immensely. Alpaca hair works in the production of fleece, so their hair tends to be shaggy-looking and incredibly soft. The hair color of alpaca is sometimes white to yellow or brown to black. On the other hand, llama hair is coarse, and more dense wool, without the same softness of the alpaca’s.
Because llamas can carry heavy loads, they are used as pack animals. Llamas can carry up to 88 lb (40 kg) weight in one go. The llama tends to have undeserved recognition. When treated badly, a llama can spit or stop moving. However, llamas are kind and independent animals. Alpacas are shy, and are herd animals, and are not independent. A llama can guide livestock like sheep and even alpacas.
Is Alpaca or Llama better to raise?
An alpaca is a domesticated vicuña, a shy animal that lives in the Andes' higher elevations and is a descendant of camelids. However, alpacas tend to be shy and do not exist in the wild, which is likely why they are so comfortable around humans. Both alpaca and llama have their benefits and disadvantages.
Alpaca fiber is more supple. Alpaca fiber is simply of a greater grade than other animal fiber, such as wool. They are softer, lighter, and warm. It's not necessary to dye alpaca fiber. Alpacas come in a range of colors, so you won't have to prepare their fiber after they've been harvested. You can knit your own sweaters, make softer blankets, crochet shawls, and more with the help of your alpaca. It's not even necessary for you to keep their threads to yourself. They are in high demand and are extremely profitable. However, it may take some time before you can make a profit from alpacas.
To distinguish between llama and alpacas, we must first define what a llama is. A llama, like an alpaca, is a domesticated animal native to the Andes. Camelids are also their ancestors. Llamas aren't seen in the wild, so they're used to being around people.
Wool can also be produced by a llama. Llama fiber is extremely heavy and warm, and it can even be used as insulation. The llama can guard animals and other livestock. Surprisingly, a single llama can defend a hundred animals from predators, including chicks, goats, and other livestock. Llamas tend to make fantastic livestock guard animals. You can obtain both alpaca and llama meat by harvesting alpacas and llamas.
Do alpacas spit like llamas?
Llamas are known to spit, but do alpacas spit as well? Both yes and no. If you're wondering whether alpacas can collect spit in their mouth, aim it at something, and then discharge it like a projectile, the answer is yes.
If you're wondering if they spit on people, the answer is no. They would undoubtedly spit at humans if they were truly threatened, but they aren't used to it. Alpacas normally save it for warding off other alpacas, which is what female alpacas do so when they don't want to mate with a male alpaca in heat. Not only that, but alpacas also do so to demonstrate their power or domination. Surprisingly, a llama's natural instinct is not to spit at humans. Spitting only happens if they were not raised with other llamas and consider humans to be llamas as well.
Why raise an alpaca? Why raise a llama?
What are the benefits of raising an alpaca? Many people keep alpacas as pets because of their friendly nature. If you feel ready about keeping herd animals for your homesteading lifestyle, though, you'll be happy to learn that there are several advantages, as we learned earlier.
Why should you raise a llama? Llamas were originally bred to be part of a herd. Aside from being able to carry big loads, there are a few other reasons to raise a llama as more than a pet.
Can alpacas breed with llamas?
If you're considering raising llamas or alpacas, you may be considering more than their kindness.
Llamas and alpacas can, in fact, breed together. In truth, llamas and alpacas breed together. A huarizo is a species created when a male llama mates with a female alpaca. Huarizos are frequently sterile and unable to reproduce on their own, however minimal genetic manipulation could enable them to reproduce.
There have been instances where a female huarizo has bred with a male alpaca and given birth to a cria (complete alpaca) without genetic interference, thus this restriction is not absolute.
Do alpacas and llamas get along?
Llamas and alpacas are both members of the camelid family, but due to their personality differences, can they coexist on a farm?
As females are more vulnerable to damage, separating the eager males can help the herd. Llamas are a little more difficult to handle than alpacas, but they're both relatively straightforward to manage. Llamas and alpacas can live together, but their genders should be separated.
Although both animals can be kept together, it is advisable for humans with little to no experience to not keep alpaca and llama together. As alpacas and llamas can sometimes be more troublesome if kept with one another.
Conserving Alpacas And Llamas
Llamas are not listed as an Endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Despite the lack of a systematic count, scientists estimate that there are approximately eight million llamas on the planet today, the bulk of which are found in South America.
During the 16th century, the alpaca’s species was on the verge of extinction. The Spanish conquerors brought disease to South America, which virtually wiped out the alpaca’s population, killing 98% of the population. The remaining animals were also forced to move to higher land as a result of the conquest, where they still exist today.
European colonizers unearthed the species in the 19th century and recognized it to be valuable. They valued the alpacas' wool and cared for them. Following that, the remaining population began to recuperate and gradually recovered its strength. Alpacas are not on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened species anymore.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for alpaca vs llama, then why not take a look at why do llamas spit, or alpaca facts?
We Want Your Photos!
Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Bachelor of Arts and Law specializing in Political Science and Intellectual Property Rights
Anusuya MukherjeeBachelor of Arts and Law specializing in Political Science and Intellectual Property Rights
With a wealth of international experience spanning Europe, Africa, North America, and the Middle East, Anusuya brings a unique perspective to her work as a Content Assistant and Content Updating Coordinator. She holds a law degree from India and has practiced law in India and Kuwait. Anusuya is a fan of rap music and enjoys a good cup of coffee in her free time. Currently, she is working on her novel, "Mr. Ivory Merchant".
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.