| Alpaca | Huarizo | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Vicugna pacos | Lama glama × Vicugna pacos |
| Status | domestic | hybrid |
| Height | 32-39 in (81-99 cm) at the withers | between alpaca and llama |
| Weight | 106-190 lb (48-86 kg) | 150-250 lb (68-113 kg) |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years (some 25+) | 15-20 years |
| Gestation | about 335 days (11.5 months) | about 340 days |
| Origin | Domesticated from the vicuña in the Andes about 6,000-7,000 years ago | Cross of a male llama with a female alpaca |
| Population | about 4-5 million worldwide, 80%+ in Peru | uncommon |
| Fiber | Fine fleece, 18-32 µm, no guard hair in quality animals | Intermediate fleece, often 25-30 µm |
| Used for | Fiber, companionship, agritourism | Fiber and companionship; hybrids are fertile, which blurs bloodlines |
| Ears | Short, spear-shaped | Intermediate |
| Back & tail | Rounded rump, tail carried down | Intermediate |
| Temperament | Shy, gentle herd animal; dislikes being touched on the head | Intermediate |
Species profiles
FAQ
What is the difference between a alpaca and a huarizo?
The huarizo is about 1.4× heavier than the alpaca. Alpaca: fiber, companionship, agritourism; Huarizo: fiber and companionship; hybrids are fertile, which blurs bloodlines. Alpacas have short, spear-shaped ears; huarizos have intermediate ears.
Which is bigger, a alpaca or a huarizo?
The huarizo (150-250 lb (68-113 kg)) is bigger than the alpaca (106-190 lb (48-86 kg)).
Can alpacas and huarizos live together?
Domestic camelids can share pasture with proper fencing and management; wild species are protected wildlife.