The llama is related to the camel but does not have the characteristic camel humps. Like camels, however, llamas have long been domesticated, or tamed to help people. Other close relatives of the llama include the alpaca, guanaco, and vicuña.

Where llamas live

Llamas are not known to exist in the wild. Most herds of llamas are maintained by the Indians of Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and Argentina. Llamas can endure difficult conditions and long periods of time without water. They are also able to survive on a variety of grasses and other plants. For these reasons, they are often used in the Andes Mountains.

Physical characteristics

Llamas are slender-bodied animals with long legs and necks. They have short tails, small heads, and large pointed ears. The average height of a llama is 4 feet (1.2 meters) at the shoulder. A 250-pound (113-kilogram) llama can carry a load of 100 to 130 pounds (45 to 60 kilograms). It is capable of traveling an average of 15 to 20 miles (25 to 30 kilometers) a day. Usually white, the llama may also be solid black or brown. Some llamas are white with black or brown markings.

Behavior

The llama is a gentle animal. When overloaded or mistreated, however, it will lie down, hiss, spit, kick, and refuse to move. Llamas breed in the late summer and fall, from May to November. A female llama gives birth to a single baby 11 months after mating.

Llama fiber

The llama's hair is normally cut every two years. There are two types of llama fleece: the coarse hairs of the protective outer coat and the short, wavy fiber of the undercoat. Generally the coarse hairs are the longest. Llama hair is used to make clothing, rugs, and rope.