| Alpaca | Guanaco | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Vicugna pacos | Lama guanicoe |
| Status | domestic | wild |
| Height | 32-39 in (81-99 cm) at the withers | about 40-47 in (100-120 cm) |
| Weight | 106-190 lb (48-86 kg) | 200-310 lb (90-140 kg) |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years (some 25+) | 15-20 years |
| Gestation | about 335 days (11.5 months) | about 345-360 days |
| Origin | Domesticated from the vicuña in the Andes about 6,000-7,000 years ago | Wild ancestor of the llama; Patagonia to the Andes |
| Population | about 4-5 million worldwide, 80%+ in Peru | about 1.5-2.2 million, mostly in Argentina |
| Fiber | Fine fleece, 18-32 µm, no guard hair in quality animals | Soft undercoat about 16-18 µm with guard hair |
| Used for | Fiber, companionship, agritourism | Wildlife; sustainable fiber harvest in Argentina |
| Ears | Short, spear-shaped | Medium |
| Back & tail | Rounded rump, tail carried down | Straight |
| Temperament | Shy, gentle herd animal; dislikes being touched on the head | Wild, alert, lives in family groups |
Species profiles
FAQ
What is the difference between a alpaca and a guanaco?
The guanaco is about 1.7× heavier than the alpaca. Alpaca: fiber, companionship, agritourism; Guanaco: wildlife; sustainable fiber harvest in argentina. Alpacas have short, spear-shaped ears; guanacos have medium ears.
Which is bigger, a alpaca or a guanaco?
The guanaco (200-310 lb (90-140 kg)) is bigger than the alpaca (106-190 lb (48-86 kg)).
Can alpacas and guanacos live together?
Wild camelids are protected wildlife and are not kept on farms.