Llama

Llama glama glama

Range: South America

Llamas closely resemble their relatives, the camels, except they are much smaller and lack humps. Llamas have been as much use to man in South America as the camel has in Asia and Africa. They are truly beasts of burden and can carry loads of up to 100 pounds at altitudes at which no other animal would be able to function and work. Their bodies are able to make the most of the small amount of oxygen available in the high mountains, due to the unique nature of their oxygen-carrying red blood cells which have a very long life span.

These animals have been working for man since about 3000 BC, when they were domesticated from either their wild relative, the guanaco, or from a common ancestor by the Inca Indians. The ancient Incas found many uses for the llama besides carrying heavy loads. These Indians developed a way of sending messages by using the llama’s thick fur in different series of complicated knots. Each knot stood for a different word or a phrase. The yarn was attached to a ring and sent to villages sometimes hundreds of miles away.

These animals have taken kindly to their domestication but will not stand for any mistreatment. If the load is too heavy, llamas will simply lay down or turn around and spit on the owner.

Reproduction/Gestation: Llamas are shy, quiet and generally placid browsers until breeding season. Then the males will collect harems of up to 15 females and fight other males. After a gestation of 10 to 11 months, young are born and are immediately able to stand up and walk. Maturity is generally attained in three years and weight may reach 300 pounds.