| Alpaca | Llama | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Vicugna pacos | Lama glama |
| Status | domestic | domestic |
| Height | 32-39 in (81-99 cm) at the withers | 40-50 in (102-127 cm) at the withers |
| Weight | 106-190 lb (48-86 kg) | 250-450 lb (113-204 kg) |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years (some 25+) | 15-25 years |
| Gestation | about 335 days (11.5 months) | about 345-350 days |
| Origin | Domesticated from the vicuña in the Andes about 6,000-7,000 years ago | Domesticated from the guanaco in the Andes |
| Population | about 4-5 million worldwide, 80%+ in Peru | about 7-8 million, mostly in Bolivia |
| Fiber | Fine fleece, 18-32 µm, no guard hair in quality animals | Double coat with coarse guard hair and soft undercoat |
| Used for | Fiber, companionship, agritourism | Pack animal, guardian, fiber, meat |
| Ears | Short, spear-shaped | Long, curved banana-shaped |
| Back & tail | Rounded rump, tail carried down | Straight back, tail carried up |
| Temperament | Shy, gentle herd animal; dislikes being touched on the head | Confident and independent; often used as herd guardians |
Species profiles
FAQ
What is the difference between a alpaca and a llama?
The llama is about 2.4× heavier than the alpaca. Alpaca: fiber, companionship, agritourism; Llama: pack animal, guardian, fiber, meat. Alpacas have short, spear-shaped ears; llamas have long, curved banana-shaped ears.
Which is bigger, a alpaca or a llama?
The llama (250-450 lb (113-204 kg)) is bigger than the alpaca (106-190 lb (48-86 kg)).
Can alpacas and llamas live together?
Domestic camelids can share pasture with proper fencing and management; wild species are protected wildlife.