| Alpaca | Bactrian Camel | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Vicugna pacos | Camelus bactrianus |
| Status | domestic | domestic |
| Height | 32-39 in (81-99 cm) at the withers | about 6-7 ft (1.8-2.3 m) at the hump |
| Weight | 106-190 lb (48-86 kg) | 660-2,200 lb (300-1,000 kg) |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years (some 25+) | up to 40 years |
| Gestation | about 335 days (11.5 months) | about 13 months |
| Origin | Domesticated from the vicuña in the Andes about 6,000-7,000 years ago | Central Asia |
| Population | about 4-5 million worldwide, 80%+ in Peru | about 2 million |
| Fiber | Fine fleece, 18-32 µm, no guard hair in quality animals | Soft down (camel hair) 16-24 µm shed each spring |
| Used for | Fiber, companionship, agritourism | Transport, fiber, milk |
| Ears | Short, spear-shaped | Small |
| Back & tail | Rounded rump, tail carried down | Two humps |
| Temperament | Shy, gentle herd animal; dislikes being touched on the head | Variable |
Species profiles
FAQ
What is the difference between a alpaca and a bactrian camel?
The bactrian camel is about 9.7× heavier than the alpaca. Alpaca: fiber, companionship, agritourism; Bactrian Camel: transport, fiber, milk. Alpacas have short, spear-shaped ears; bactrian camels have small ears.
Which is bigger, a alpaca or a bactrian camel?
The bactrian camel (660-2,200 lb (300-1,000 kg)) is bigger than the alpaca (106-190 lb (48-86 kg)).
Can alpacas and bactrian camels live together?
Domestic camelids can share pasture with proper fencing and management; wild species are protected wildlife.