Facts about llamas
- The llama (Lama glama) is a member of the camel family.
- Llama is the name given the domestic animals of the species. The wild relative is called the guanaco.
- They are found in South America.
- Llamas are widely used as a pack and meat animal by Andean cultures since prehispanic times.
- Llamas do not have humps like camels, but they are used as beasts of burden.
- The height of a adult llama is between 5.5 ft (1.7 meters) and 6 ft (1.8 meters) tall.
- Llamas can go for several days without water.
- They are very social animals and love to live with other llamas as a herd.
- LLamas are used to living at high altitudes. They make good pack animals for mountainous areas.
- Llamas are shaggy beasts and provide good wool for clothing. The alpaca, a variety of llama, is bred for its wool.
- The vicuña is a wild type that produces especially fine wool.
- These animals can carry about 25 percent to 30 percent of their body weight for several kilometers.
- The meat of the llama can be eaten.
- The llama is a very intelligent animal and can learn simple tasks after a few repetitions.
- The llama is a stubborn animal. If it gets tired of carrying its load, it lies down.
