What kind of animal is an alpaca? An updated explanation of its characteristics, ecology, and habitat

What kind of animal is an alpaca? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. A member of the camel family that lives in South America, the animal is known for its thin, fluffy fur, making it a very popular animal in zoos around the world. Alpacas are highly prized all over the world for their wool-like wool.

What is an alpaca? About basic status

Alpacas are classified in the camelidae family, genus Vicuna. It is a famous domestic animal of South America. The scientific name is Vicugna pacos, and the kanji is written in kanji such as yōda, yōdāda, yōdō. The body length is 2m and the weight is 50-55kg. The list of information is as follows.

Japanese（和名）	アルパカ
English（英名）	Alpaca
scientific name(学名)	Vicugna pacos
classification（分類）	Mammalia、Artiodactyla、 Camelidae、Vicugna 哺乳綱、鯨偶蹄目、ラクダ科、ビクーニャ属
IUCN Status(保全状況)	LEAST CONCERN
Length（体長）	2m
Weight（体重）	50–55kg

What are the roots and origins of the alpaca?

Alpacas originated in the high-altitude regions of the South American Andes (specifically, the area encompassing modern-day Peru and Bolivia). They are members of the camelid family that were domesticated by humans; it is believed that the people of the Andes began raising them approximately 6,000 to 7,000 years ago.

The prevailing theory: Descended from the “vicuña”

The prevailing theory is that the modern alpaca (scientific name: Vicugna pacos) was domesticated from the wild vicuña (Vicugna vicugna).

Their phylogenetic relationship is as follows:

Camelidae (Camel family)
└── South American camelids
├── Guanaco (wild)
│ └── Llama (domesticated)
│
└── Vicuña (wild)
└── Alpaca (domesticated)

However, because interbreeding between llamas and alpacas occurred in ancient times, research into their precise genetic origins is still ongoing.

Why did they originate in the Andes?

The Andean highlands presented an environment characterized by:

Altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 4,500 meters

Extreme temperature fluctuations

Expansive grasslands (the Altiplano)

Alpacas adapted to this environment by developing:

Thick fleece (high-quality fiber)

A physiology capable of functioning in low-oxygen conditions

A digestive system that allows them to survive on sparse vegetation

Relationship with ancient Andean civilizations

Alpacas were not merely livestock; they were a fundamental part of life in Andean civilizations.

Uses:

🧶 Fleece → Clothing and textiles

🍖 Meat → Food

💩 Dung → Fuel and fertilizer

🛕 Rituals → Offerings to the gods

Alpacas and llamas held particular importance within the Inca Empire.

Origin of the name

The name “alpaca” became widespread after the Spanish arrived in South America. It is believed to originate from the languages ​​of the indigenous peoples of the Andes (particularly Quechua and Aymara).

About classification

Alpacas have many subspecies. Please refer to the following types. This is a quote from Wikipedia. Some of them are extinct.

• カメルス・ギガス Camelus gigas
• カメルス・ヘステルヌス（エステルヌス） Camelus hesternus
• カメルス・シルヴァレンス（シルワレンス） Camelus sivalensis
• シリアラクダ Camelus moreli
• ヒトコブラクダ Camelus dromedarius
• フタコブラクダ Camelus ferus
• ビクーニャ Vicugna vicugna
• アルパカ Vicugna pacos
• リャマ（ラマ） Lama glama
• グアナコ Lama guanicoe

Alpaca Taxonomy

分類階級	名称	補足
界（Kingdom）	動物界（Animalia）	多細胞、真核生物
門（Phylum）	脊索動物門（Chordata）	背骨を持つ
綱（Class）	哺乳綱（Mammalia）	恒温・乳腺で授乳する
目（Order）	偶蹄目（Artiodactyla）	偶蹄（ひづめ2本ずつ）を持つ
亜目（Suborder）	ラクダ亜目（Tylopoda）	足の形や消化器の特徴で分類
科（Family）	ラクダ科（Camelidae）	背中にこぶの有無でラクダ属と区別
属（Genus）	ヴィクーニャ属（Vicugna）	小型・高山適応型の草食動物
種（Species）	Vicugna pacos	アルパカ

What kind of animal is a camel? An updated explanation of its characteristics, ecology, and habitat

What kind of animal is a camel? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. Camels are highly prized anim…

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2026.07.11

Where will the habitat be?

Its habitat is South America.

1. Origin

Andes Mountains, South America

Country: Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Northern Chile, Northwestern Argentina

Elevation: 3,500-5,000m

Environment: Cold, dry zone, alpine grasslands (Páramo Altiplano)

Climate: Large temperature difference between day and night, low precipitation

2. Distribution as Livestock

Alpacas are domesticated camelids, and are kept by humans in some areas:

South America: Primarily Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador

North America, Europe, and Asia: They are sometimes imported and raised for ornamental purposes and for their wool.

Alpaca farms are also found in Australia and New Zealand, where they are used for wool product production.

3. Differences from Wild Species

The vicuna (Vicugna vicugna), the ancestor of the alpaca, is a wild species that lives in the alpine grasslands of the Andes in Peru and Bolivia.

Alpacas are fully domesticated and rarely go wild.

feature is? What kind of creature is it?

Alpacas have no upper incisors and are characterized by hardened skin. This is a livestock breed that has been bred to make use of its hair, and has evolved since ancient times. The coat color is brown and black. Alpaca wool continues to grow until it is sheared, so if it is not sheared, it will grow to the point that it touches the ground. They always live in herds and are grazed all year round. Alpacas have sharp claws and soft pads on their feet, so they won’t damage the grass.

1. Appearance and Physique

Body Length: Approximately 1.5-1.8m (head to tail)

Shoulder Height: Approximately 90cm

Weight: Approximately 55-65kg (depending on breed and gender)

Huacaya: Fluffy, curly, and voluminous

Suri: Long, smooth, shiny fur that hangs down

Fur colors vary, including white, brown, black, gray, and mixed colors

Face and Ears:

Small, rounded face

Ears are long and slender, standing upright

Small nose, with a soft expression

Feet:

Having artiodactyls (two toes), they are well adapted to mountainous habitats

Lightweight and durable, making them easy to walk on steep slopes

2. Personality and Behavior

Generally docile, gentle, and timid

Highly social animal that lives in groups

Sensitive to smells and stimuli, and highly alert

May spit when angry (primarily as a threatening behavior)

Highly intelligent, and easily tame humans and other livestock

3. Ecology and Habitat Characteristics

Alpine-adapted: Can thrive in low-oxygen environments

Herbivory:

Eats grass, pasture, and shrub leaves

Specialized digestive system with high cellulose-breaking ability

Thermogenesis: Thick fur protects from the cold

Reproduction:

Gestation period: Approximately 11-12 months

One calf is born per litter (twins are rare)

The calf is called a “kuikka”

What is your personality like?

Alpacas are generally curious and very intelligent animals. They are also known for not wanting to fight, and rarely get into fights. It is a very easy animal to care for.

1. Gentle and docile

Generally gentle and docile

Rarely aggressive toward humans or other animals

Highly social animals that live in groups and cooperate with others

2. Timid and cautious

Sensitive to new people, sounds, and changes in their environment

May spit and intimidate when frightened

Need to keep quiet and at a distance until they become accustomed to others

3. Sociality and group behavior

Feeling safe in groups

Communicate with others (through vocalizations and body language)

Keeping multiple alpacas is less stressful than keeping them alone

4. Highly intelligent and adaptable

Can learn simple commands and behaviors

Once accustomed to their owners, they will come when called

Due to their cautious nature, they require gradual adjustment when changing environments or care methods

5. Playful and curious

Running and hopping around lightly in groups and in new environments

Baby alpacas (kuikkas) are particularly curious and energetic

6. Precautions

Because they are timid, they are sensitive to loud noises, sudden movements, and strong stimuli.

They are sensitive to hierarchical relationships within the group, so being kept alone can be stressful.

What is the ecology like?

Alpacas are herbivores and live by eating grass. Male alpacas reach sexual maturity at the age of two and a half and begin breeding around October. The average gestation period is 342 days. Only one baby is born at a time. Alpacas have an estimated lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

1. Habitat

Origin: The Andes Mountains of South America (Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile, northwestern Argentina)

Altitude: 3,500-5,000m

Climate: Dry and cold with large temperature differences between day and night

Lifestyle: Lives in herds on vast grasslands and rocky areas

2. Diet

Completely herbivorous (herbivore)

Main diet:

Grass of alpine grasslands and shrub leaves

Occasionally consumes dry plants

Digestive system:

Pseudo-ruminant stomach, typical of the camelid family (artiodactylidae)

Efficient fiber digestion

Water intake:

Obtains a large amount of water from grass

Can survive on low water levels

3. Sociality and Group Behavior

They live in groups, and communication with their peers is important.

They communicate by calls (bleating, humming, etc.)

They have a hierarchical structure within the group, but are not overly aggressive.

To avoid stress, it is preferable to keep them in groups of at least two rather than alone.

4. Breeding and Rearing

Sexual Maturity:

Males: Approximately 2-3 years

Females: Approximately 1-2 years

Breeding Season: Scheduled for dry seasons and periods of abundant food.

Gestation Period: Approximately 11-12 months

Birth: Usually one calf (twins are rare)

Baby Alpaca (Kuikkha):

Able to stand and walk immediately after birth.

They are breastfed and begin playing within the group within a few weeks.

5. Behavior Pattern

Diurnal: Active during the day, resting at night

Adapted to high altitudes, they move nimbly even on steep slopes and rocky terrain

Defensive Behaviors:

When threatened, they spit, flee, or warn others

Young individuals are playful, jumping and chasing each other

6. Lifespan

Domesticated: 15-20 years

Tends to live slightly longer than wild vicuñas

Are there any natural enemies?

Alpacas have almost no natural enemies. Since it was domesticated by humans, it became protected, so there is no longer any enemy that can be called an enemy.

About Alpaca Molting

Alpaca molting (the process of shedding and regrowing fleece) is a vital physiological adaptation to the harsh environment of the high Andes. However, it differs somewhat from the “massive natural shedding” seen in dogs or cats.

Management primarily involves annual shearing

Alpacas are typically sheared once a year, usually between spring and early summer (often May or June in Japan).

Reasons:

To reduce the thick coat grown to withstand winter cold before summer arrives

To prevent heatstroke caused by the heat

To harvest high-quality fiber

Alpaca fleece can grow approximately 10–20 cm in a single year.

They do not undergo a “complete molt” in the wild

Unlike sheep, alpacas do not completely replace their entire coat on a seasonal basis.

Fleece characteristics:

Long growth cycle

Fibers (fleece) grow continuously

Old fibers shed gradually while new ones grow

Consequently, even without human shearing, some shedding occurs naturally; however, the fleece can become tangled and mat together, turning into a felt-like mass.

Differences between winter and summer coats

Winter

Temperatures in the high Andes drop below freezing at night, so:

Fleece density increases

Under-fiber (undercoat) increases

Heat retention is maximized

Summer

As temperatures rise:

Fleece density decreases

Body temperature regulation becomes easier

Heat dissipation improves

However, in high-humidity summers like those in Japan, alpacas are more vulnerable to heat than they are in the Andes.

About Alpaca Vocalizations

Alpaca vocalizations differ somewhat from their cute appearance; they use different sounds to communicate with their herd and to signal the detection of danger.

1. Basic Vocalization: Low-pitched “Mmm” or “Hnn” sounds (Humming)

The sound most commonly heard from alpacas is known as humming.

Characteristics:

Low, nasal “Mmm” or “Hnn” sounds

Produced with the mouth closed

Soft volume, sustained over a long period

Situations:

Calling out to herd mates

Communicating with their young (crias)

Expressing anxiety or loneliness

Checking their surroundings

Since alpacas are herd animals, they constantly use these soft sounds to acknowledge each other’s presence.

2. When Alert: “High-pitched scream” (Alarm call)

When they sense danger, their demeanor shifts drastically from their usual calm vocalizations.

Characteristics:

High-pitched, piercing “Eee!” sound

Carries over long distances

Alerts the herd to danger

Used when spotting natural predators such as:

Foxes

Pumas

Feral dogs

Alpacas are surprisingly wary and play a role in protecting the entire herd.

3. Mother calling to her young

Mother alpacas (females) use a distinctive humming sound with their young.

When a cria (baby alpaca):

Wanders away

Feels anxious

Wants to nurse

The mother responds with a low-pitched hum.

Parent and offspring recognize each other through these vocalizations.

4. Male-specific vocalization: “Braying”

During the breeding season, males may produce loud, donkey-like calls.

Characteristics:

Drawn-out “Aaa…” sound

Resonates over long distances

Used to attract females or assert territorial claims

This is one of the most striking sounds an alpaca makes.

5. When Angry: Growling/Snorting

In situations involving stress or conflict, they produce:

Low growls

Snorting sounds

Threatening noises made before spitting Alpacas are generally mild-mannered, but they clearly make their feelings known if something unpleasant is done to them.

Seasonal Activities

Alpaca activity is strongly influenced by the seasonal changes of their native habitat in the Andean highlands. The seasons in the Andes differ slightly from those in Japan; their rhythms of life are dictated primarily by the shift between the rainy season (summer) and the dry season (winter).

Spring (Approx. September–November: Southern Hemisphere)

*Note: Seasons in South America are the reverse of those in Japan.

Activities:

Winter cold subsides; grass begins to grow

Grazing time increases

Fleece reaches full length

Birthing season begins

Physical Changes:

Transition from winter coat to summer coat

Period of nutritional recovery

In particular, since the gestation period is approximately 11 months, many mother alpacas give birth during this time.

Summer (Approx. December–February: Southern Hemisphere)

The most active season

This corresponds to the rainy season in the Andean highlands, resulting in abundant grass.

Activities:

Grazing starts in the morning

Grazing in herds

Increased water intake

Rapid growth of offspring

Diet:

Grasses (Poaceae family)

Alpine plants

Pasture grass

However, alpacas do not tolerate heat well.

Reasons:

They have thick fleece

They are adapted to cool, high-altitude environments

Consequently, in hot areas, they:

Rest in the shade

Feed primarily in the morning and evening

Reduce activity during the day

Autumn (Approx. March–May: Southern Hemisphere)

Preparation period for winter

Activities:

Foraging for available grass

Storing body fat

Increased time spent moving in herds

Physical Changes:

Fleece density increases

Improved cold resistance

As temperatures in the Andes drop significantly at night, nutritional status during autumn is crucial for winter survival.

Winter (Approx. June–August: Southern Hemisphere)

The harshest season

In the Andean highlands, the environment is characterized by:

Temperatures dropping below freezing

Dry conditions

Scarcity of grass Activities:

Basking in the morning sun to warm the body

Foraging during the day

Resting in a tight-knit group at night

Characteristics:

Minimizing movement to conserve energy

Retaining body heat with thick fur

Efficiently extracting nutrients from sparse vegetation

Daily Activity Rhythm

Alpacas are primarily diurnal.

Morning

Waking up

Heading out to pasture

Grazing

Midday

Foraging

Resting

Ruminating (regurgitating and re-chewing food)

Evening

Foraging again

Moving as a herd

Night

Lying down to rest

Ruminating

Conserving body heat by huddling with the herd

About Walking Speed

Contrary to their leisurely appearance, alpacas are built for endurance, allowing them to travel long distances across high-altitude terrain. They are also surprisingly fast over short distances.

Normal Walking Speed

Average walking speed: Approx. 3–5 km/h

When grazing slowly while moving: Approx. 2–3 km/h

When moving as a herd: Approx. 4–6 km/h

This is roughly the same speed as a human’s normal walking pace (approx. 4–5 km/h).

Running Speed

Alpacas run when fleeing or excited.

Top speed: Approx. 35–40 km/h

However, they are not animals designed to maintain high speeds for long periods like racehorses.

They excel at:

Short-distance dashes

Stable movement in mountainous terrain

Moving across pastures for extended periods

Why Can Alpacas Walk at High Altitudes?

Alpacas are adapted to the Andes Mountains at elevations of 3,000 to 4,500 meters.

① Foot Structure

Alpacas have soft, padded feet rather than hard hooves.

Advantages:

Less likely to slip on rocky terrain

Low impact on the ground

Easier to walk on steep mountain slopes

② Efficient Physiology

Alpacas possess:

A compact body

Strong cardiopulmonary function

Blood characteristics that allow for activity with limited oxygen

This enables them to walk for long periods at a steady, unhurried pace.

③ Herd Movement Habits

In environments close to the wild, they move in a formation where:

A leader takes the lead

Young ones stay in the center

Adults surround the perimeter

This movement style prioritizes safety over speed.

About Baby Alpacas

This article provides detailed information about the development, behavior, and ecology of baby alpacas.

1. Name

Curia (Cria)

Spanish for “baby”

Usually refers to a cub up to about 6 months old.

2. Birth

Gestation Period: 11-12 months

Birth: Usually a single cub (twins are extremely rare)

Weight: Approximately 6-8 kg at birth

Mother-Child Relationship: Raised by their mother

Initial Behavior:

Stands and begins walking within a few minutes to a few tens of minutes of birth

Drinks breast milk and is dependent on their mother in the herd

3. Growth and Development

Weight Gain: May approximately double within the first month of life

Weaning: Gradually transitions to grass or hay between 4-6 months of age

Hair Development:

Has fluffy fur immediately after birth to protect from the cold

Hair type changes to either huacayan (curly hair) or suri (long hair) as they grow.

4. Behavior/Personality

Playful and Curious:

Actively runs and jumps within the pack

Chases with other young animals

Social Learning:

Learns hierarchical and social behaviors in the pack from their mother and other individuals

Alertness:

Hides behind their mother when threatened

May spit to intimidate, just like adults

5. Nutrition

Breastfeeding:

Mainly during the first 3-4 months of life

Taurine and immune substances are obtained from breast milk

Transition to a Grass Diet:

Starts eating soft grass and hay gradually from around 2 months of age

Completely weaned by 4-6 months of age

6. Health Care Tips

Preventing Insufficient Breastfeeding: Monitor for malnutrition and breastfeeding refusal

Cold Protection: Even with thick fur, they are susceptible to hypothermia, so provide a roof or shelter as needed

Parasite Prevention: Regular deworming is recommended, just like for adult animals

Are alpacas an endangered species?

Because alpacas are domesticated, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) does not assess their conservation status. Therefore, it has not been evaluated. In the 16th century, when Spain colonized South America, the alpaca population declined by 90%, but has since stabilized as they have been domesticated.

1. Domesticated Species

Alpacas are fully domesticated camelids.

They are kept by humans for their wool, ornamental value, and agricultural use, and do not exist in the wild.

Millions of them are kept worldwide, and their populations are stable.

As a result, they are not assessed as endangered or listed as “Not Threatened” on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.

2. Their Wild Ancestor (Vicugna) is Protected

The alpaca’s ancestor, the vicugna (Vicugna vicugna), once faced extinction after overhunting drastically reduced its population.

By the 1970s, its population had fallen to approximately 60,000.

Through conservation and management, it has now recovered to over 400,000.

Current IUCN Assessment:

Vicugna: Least Concern

However, conservation and management are necessary in some areas.

Can alpacas be kept as pets?

There is no legal problem with owning an alpaca. However, there are some things like the following, and the hurdles are very high. If you go to a zoo or other place and have time, there will be information about shows, etc., so we recommend checking the outline and details before watching as a customer. Please visit the page and check it out.

How much does an alpaca cost?

If you want to buy an alpaca, it will cost about 1.8 to 2 million yen. This is not a realistic price as it is quite expensive.

How should I feed it?

Alpacas eat 1 kg of hay a day. As you can see from this, they eat a lot, so it costs a lot of money to eat, so you need to be careful. Also, since alpacas live in herds, it is necessary to have multiple animals.

Requires a large area

Since alpacas originally lived in the vast highlands of the Andes, they require large areas of land. It is not at all easy as the breeding space requires appropriate fencing and stables where the alpacas can rest and sleep.