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Llama |
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The Llama is a large camelid that originated in North America
and then later on moved to South America. The term llama is used
more broadly, to indicate any of the four closely related animals
that make up the South American branch of the family Camelidae: the
true llama, the vicua, alpaca, and guanaco. They were used as a
system of transportation for the Incas.
The most apparent visual
difference between llamas and camels is that camels have a hump or
humps and llamas do not. Ears are rather long and pointed. Feet are
narrow and the toes are more separated than in the camels. The tail
is short and fur is long and woolly.
The llama and alpaca are only
found in the domesticated state, and are variable in size and color,
generally white, black, or piebald. The guanaco and vicua are wild
and endangered, and of a nearly uniform light-brown color with white
below. The vicua lives in herds on the bleak and elevated parts of
mountain ranges bordering the region of perpetual snow, amidst rocks
and high cliffs throughout Peru, in the southern part of Ecuador and
down to the middle of Bolivia. Its manners very much resemble those
of the chamois of the European Alps; it is vigilant, wild, and
timid.
Llamas that are well socialized and brought up by loving
families are very friendly and pleasant to be around. They are
extremely curious and most will approach people easily.
Occasionally, llamas do spit at each other or people. The habit of
spitting is a defense mechanism. However, a llama would prefer to
run away before confronting their assumed aggressor.
The sound of
the llama making groaning noises or going "mwa" is often a sign of
fear or anger. If a llama is agitated, it will lay his or her ears
back.
One of the main uses for llamas at the time of the Spanish
conquest was to bring down ore from the mines in the mountains but
since the introduction of horses, mules, and donkeys, the importance
of the llama as a beast of burden has greatly diminished.
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Schreiner Farms |
P.O. Box 449 Dallesport, WA
98617 |
((360) 561-2813 |
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