These social animals live in family groups of up to twenty-five individuals, which usually consist of one dominant male and his harem of females and their young.
The male is extremely protective of his harem. He has a specialized call to warn of potential predators and he fights with other males — bouts in which, among other things, the opponents may spit at each other.
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They are now rare, having been heavily exploited to obtain their coat, which is said to make the best wool in the world.
Despite legal protection and the establishment of captive populations, they are still being poached from the few reserves where they survive.
Animal Facts
Family: Camelidae (Camels and Relatives)
Range: Central Andes
Habitat: Semi-arid grassland in montane regions
Diet: Short perennial grasses
Head and Body Length: 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m)
Tail Length: 5 to 6 inches (12 to 15 cm)
Shoulder Height: 30 to 39 inches (75 to 100 cm)
Weight: 88 to 132 pounds (40 to 60 kg)
Life Cycle: Mating March to April; gestation 330 to 350 days, one young born
Description: Yellowish-red coat; white underneath; large, round eyes; long, narrow, pointed ears; supple neck; slender body with dense, fine fur; long limbs; padded, cloven feet
Conservation Status: Lower Risk (Conservation Dependent)
Major Threat: Habitat loss and degradation
What Can I Do?: Visit WWF for information on how you can help.
