| Llama | Guanaco | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Lama glama | Lama guanicoe |
| Status | domestic | wild |
| Height | 40-50 in (102-127 cm) at the withers | about 40-47 in (100-120 cm) |
| Weight | 250-450 lb (113-204 kg) | 200-310 lb (90-140 kg) |
| Lifespan | 15-25 years | 15-20 years |
| Gestation | about 345-350 days | about 345-360 days |
| Origin | Domesticated from the guanaco in the Andes | Wild ancestor of the llama; Patagonia to the Andes |
| Population | about 7-8 million, mostly in Bolivia | about 1.5-2.2 million, mostly in Argentina |
| Fiber | Double coat with coarse guard hair and soft undercoat | Soft undercoat about 16-18 µm with guard hair |
| Used for | Pack animal, guardian, fiber, meat | Wildlife; sustainable fiber harvest in Argentina |
| Ears | Long, curved banana-shaped | Medium |
| Back & tail | Straight back, tail carried up | Straight |
| Temperament | Confident and independent; often used as herd guardians | Wild, alert, lives in family groups |
Species profiles
FAQ
What is the difference between a llama and a guanaco?
The llama is about 1.4× heavier than the guanaco. Llama: pack animal, guardian, fiber, meat; Guanaco: wildlife; sustainable fiber harvest in argentina. Llamas have long, curved banana-shaped ears; guanacos have medium ears.
Which is bigger, a llama or a guanaco?
The llama (250-450 lb (113-204 kg)) is bigger than the guanaco (200-310 lb (90-140 kg)).
Can llamas and guanacos live together?
Wild camelids are protected wildlife and are not kept on farms.