| Alpaca | Dromedary Camel | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Vicugna pacos | Camelus dromedarius |
| Status | domestic | domestic |
| Height | 32-39 in (81-99 cm) at the withers | 6-6.5 ft (1.8-2 m) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 106-190 lb (48-86 kg) | 660-1,320 lb (300-600 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 | Arabian Peninsula |
| Population | about 4-5 million worldwide, 80%+ in Peru | about 35 million |
| Fiber | Fine fleece, 18-32 µm, no guard hair in quality animals | Short coarse hair |
| Used for | Fiber, companionship, agritourism | Transport, milk, meat |
| Ears | Short, spear-shaped | Small |
| Back & tail | Rounded rump, tail carried down | One hump |
| Temperament | Shy, gentle herd animal; dislikes being touched on the head | Variable |
Species profiles
FAQ
What is the difference between a alpaca and a dromedary camel?
The dromedary camel is about 6.7× heavier than the alpaca. Alpaca: fiber, companionship, agritourism; Dromedary Camel: transport, milk, meat. Alpacas have short, spear-shaped ears; dromedary camels have small ears.
Which is bigger, a alpaca or a dromedary camel?
The dromedary camel (660-1,320 lb (300-600 kg)) is bigger than the alpaca (106-190 lb (48-86 kg)).
Can alpacas and dromedary camels live together?
Domestic camelids can share pasture with proper fencing and management; wild species are protected wildlife.