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 Peruvian
Andean
Camelids (Photos:
© Jorge Mazzotti) |
A typical
inhabitant of the Andes, the South
American camelid has for the past 6,000
years served as a source of food, clothing
and as a beast of burden for Peruvians.
Moreover, the animal is a quintessential
part of the personality of the highlands,
and has wielded a major influence on the
serene and contemplative idiosyncrasy of
its tamers. Over the centuries, various
Andean cultures have crafted images of
llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicuñas,
from the cave paintings of Toquepala,
depicting hunting scenes, to the more
sophisticated Inca pottery. These animals
have also formed part of countless ritual
ceremonies, whether as sacrificial victims
or as companions to their overlords in
their tombs. Their origins, however, stem
from distant-lands: it is believed that
millions of years ago the camelid family
inhabited what is now North America.
Apparently at some point a group emigrated
to Alaska and then over to Siberia, giving
rise to the present-day Indo-European
camel. Another group then emigrated south,
discovering an ideal habitat in the
central Andes.
Each of the four species of Andean camelid
-whose identical number of chromosomes
makes it possible to cross the species-
has developed its own characteristics. The
llama, the strongest and appreciated as a
pack animal (which can carry up to 60 kg),
stands around 1.90 meters tall and comes
in a variety of up to 50 colors. The
alpaca, whose fiber is popular in the
textile industry, stands 1.50 meters tall.
Its meat is also being promoted in the
foodstuffs processing industry. The
vicuña, which is smaller (barely 1.30
meters tall) and runs wild, features
extremely fine fur which is in such demand
that poachers have driven it to the verge
of extinction. Today, the animal is
protected by the Peruvian State. Finally,
the guanaco is the wildest of the Andean
camelids, standing around 1.80 meters
tall. It is also found in the highlands of
Argentina and Chile. (PromPeru) |
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Llama Kara |
Llama Chaku |
Llama Kara |
Alpaca Suri |
Alpaca Suri |
Alpaca Huacaya |
Vicuña |
Vicuñas |
Vicuña |
Guanaco |
Guanaco |
Guanaco |
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