| Alpaca | Suri Alpaca | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Vicugna pacos | Vicugna pacos |
| Status | domestic | domestic (breed type) |
| Height | 32-39 in (81-99 cm) at the withers | 32-39 in (81-99 cm) |
| Weight | 106-190 lb (48-86 kg) | 106-190 lb (48-86 kg) |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years (some 25+) | 15-20 years |
| Gestation | about 335 days (11.5 months) | about 335 days |
| Origin | Domesticated from the vicuña in the Andes about 6,000-7,000 years ago | A fleece type of alpaca from the Andes, rarer than huacaya |
| Population | about 4-5 million worldwide, 80%+ in Peru | roughly 5-10% of alpacas |
| Fiber | Fine fleece, 18-32 µm, no guard hair in quality animals | Long lustrous pencil locks that drape along the body |
| Used for | Fiber, companionship, agritourism | Luxury lustrous fiber |
| Ears | Short, spear-shaped | Short, spear-shaped |
| Back & tail | Rounded rump, tail carried down | Locks part along the spine |
| Temperament | Shy, gentle herd animal; dislikes being touched on the head | Same as huacaya |
Species profiles
FAQ
What is the difference between a alpaca and a suri alpaca?
The suri alpaca is about 1.0× heavier than the alpaca. Alpaca: fiber, companionship, agritourism; Suri Alpaca: luxury lustrous fiber. Alpacas have short, spear-shaped ears; suri alpacas have short, spear-shaped ears.
Which is bigger, a alpaca or a suri alpaca?
The suri alpaca (106-190 lb (48-86 kg)) is bigger than the alpaca (106-190 lb (48-86 kg)).
Can alpacas and suri alpacas live together?
Domestic camelids can share pasture with proper fencing and management; wild species are protected wildlife.