Scientific Classification

Common Name

llama

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Artiodactyla

Family

Camelidae

Genus Species

Lama (Peruvian name for animals in the camel family) glama (name given by Linnaeus, corruption of llama)

Fast Facts

Description

The llama is a tall horse-shaped animal with a woolly coat of varying shades

Size

Approximately 150 to 180 cm (5 to 6 ft.)

Weight

135 to 202.5 kg (300 to 450 lbs.)

Diet

Grazer and browser; diet includes grasses and leaves

Incubation

Gestation lasts approximately 350 days; usually one offspring

Sexual Maturity

About 2 years

Life Span

Up to 20 years

Range

Native to western South America, mostly Bolivia, Chile, and Peru

Habitat

Inhabits mountain terrain; also domesticated in many areas

Population

Global: Unknown

Status 

IUCN: Not listed
CITES: Not listed
USFWS: Not listed

Fun Facts

1. Fossil footprints found in California indicate that llamas, relatives of camels, originated in North America. It is believed that the animals that moved north and crossed the Bering land bridge evolved into camels, while the ones that migrated to the south became the "lama" family.
2. Llamas make a variety of sounds. The most common sound is a humming noise. A female will hum to her cria (offspring). Males orgle, which sounds like a gurgle, during breeding. If a couple of males decide to have a fight, they will start screaming at each other. If a llama perceives danger, it sends an alarm call, which warns the rest of the herd.
3. In the wild, a male will find a high vantage point to watch over his herd of females and if he spots danger, will start alarm calling. Moments later every male in the vicinity will be alarm calling.
4. The idea that llamas spit is true. Llamas usually spit to settle an argument over food or to decide which is the dominant llama. A female will also spit at a male to tell him to get lost. They do not normally spit at humans unless they are provoked. Their body language will warn other llamas; flattened ears are a signal to back off and are usually sufficient. The next threat may be a spitting sound, but using only air.

Ecology and Conservation

Also known as the "new world camel", llamas were domesticated in the early 1500s and are valuable work animals. 

They, like all camelids, differ from other mammals in that their red blood corpuscles are oval instead of round. This adaptation allows them to take in more oxygen, making them well suited to life at high altitudes. 

Their coat is used to make cloth and other material goods. 

In the wilds of South America, pumas (or mountain lions) are llamas' only natural predator. In North America, cougars and bears have been known to take llamas. 

In South America, thousands are used for meat each year.

Bibliography

Hoffman, C. and I. Asmus. Caring for Llamas and Alpacas. Rocky Mountain Llama and Alpaca Assoc. Pioneer Impressions, CO. 1989.

Nowak, R. M. Walker's Mammals of the World, Fifth Ed. Vol. II, Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1991.

Parker, S. P. (ed.). Grzimeks Encyclopedia: Mammals. Vol. 5. New York: McGraw-Hill, pp. 82-95. 1989.