Alpaca basics

Are alpacas related to camels?

A

Short answer

Yes. Alpacas belong to the camel family (Camelidae), together with llamas, vicuñas, guanacos and the two camel species.

Camelids originated in North America around 40-45 million years ago. The ancestors of camels crossed into Asia, while the ancestors of llamas and alpacas moved into South America.

Like camels, alpacas have padded two-toed feet, a three-compartment stomach, oval red blood cells and a characteristic 'kush' resting position.

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