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{{Short description|Species of wooly domesticated mammal}}
{{sprotect2}}
{{About||other uses|Llama (disambiguation)|and|Llamas (disambiguation)|the language model|Llama (language model)}}
{{distinguish|Ilama (disambiguation){{!}}Ilama|Lama}}
{{pp-move}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}


{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
:''For other uses of "llama" and similarly spelled words, see ]
{{Speciesbox
:{{1911|article=Llama}}
| image = Llamas, Vernagt-Stausee, Italy.jpg
{{Taxobox
| color = pink | taxon = Lama glama
| name = Llama | status = DOM
| authority = (], ])
| status = {{StatusDomesticated}}
| image = Lama.jpg | range_map = Lama glama Vicugna pacos range.png
| range_map_caption = Domestic llama and alpaca range<ref>Daniel W. Gade, Nature and culture in the Andes, Madison, University of Wisconsin Press, 1999, p. 104</ref>
| image_width = 250px
| synonyms = ''Camelus glama'' {{small|Linnaeus,&nbsp;1758}}
| regnum = ]ia
| phylum = ]
| classis = ]ia
| ordo = ]
| familia = ]
| genus = '']''
| species = '''''L. glama'''''
| binomial = ''Lama glama''
| binomial_authority = (], 1758)
}} }}
<br />
<CENTER>
The '''llama''' (''Lama glama'') is a ]n ], widely used as a ] by the ]<ref name="Inca Culture">
{{cite web
|url=http://www.nationalgeographic.com/inca/inca_culture_4.html
|work=Inca culture
|title=Little Llamas
|date=]}}</ref> and other natives of the ] mountains. In South America and some parts of Saudi Arabia llamas are still used for beasts of burden, fiber production and meat. <ref name="Other Culture">
{{cite web
|url=http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/pubs/llama.htm
|coauthors=Jean Larson, Judith Ho
|title=Information Resources on the South American Camelids: Llamas, Alpacas, Guanacos, and Vicunas 1943-2006
|date=]}}</ref>


The '''llama''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|ɑː|m|ə}}; {{IPA|es|ˈʎama}} or {{IPA|es|ˈʝama|}}) ('''''Lama glama''''') is a domesticated ]n ], widely used as a ] and ] by ] since the ].
The height of a full-grown, full-size llama is between 5.5 ] (1.6 ]) to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall at the top of the head. They can weigh approximately between 280 ] (127 ]s) and 450 pounds (204 kilograms). At birth, a baby llama (called a '''cria''') can weigh between 20 pounds (9 kilograms) to 30 pounds (14 kilograms). Llamas are very social animals and like to live with other llamas as a ]. Overall, the fiber produced by a llama is very soft and is naturally ] free. Very intelligent, llamas learn simple tasks after a few repetitions. When using a pack, llamas can carry about 25% - 30% of their body weight for several ]s.<ref name="OK State">

Llamas are social animals and live with others as a ]. Their ] is soft and contains only a small amount of ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Eveline|title=Is Alpaca Wool Hypoallergenic? (Lanolin Free)|url=https://www.yanantin-alpaca.com/is-alpaca-wool-hypoallergenic-lanolin-free/|access-date=2021-10-16|website=Yanantin Alpaca|language=en-US}}</ref> Llamas can learn simple tasks after a few repetitions. When using a pack, they can carry about 25 to 30% of their body weight for 8 to 13 ] (5–8 ]s).<ref name=OK_State>
{{cite web {{cite web
|url=http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/other/llama/ |url=http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/other/llama/
|authors=] |publisher=]
|title=Llama |title=Llama
|date=25 June 2007}}</ref> The name ''llama'' (also historically spelled "lama" or "glama") was adopted by ] from ].<ref>Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd edition, "''llama''"</ref>
|date=]}}</ref>


Llamas originated from the central plains of ] about 40 million ]s ago. They migrated to South America and ] about 3 million years ago. By the end of the last ] (10,000 - 12,000 years ago) camelids were extinct in North America. <ref name="OK State"/> As of 2007, there were over 7 million llamas and ]s in South America and due to importation from South America in the late ] there are now over 100,000 llamas and 6,500 - 7,000 alpacas in the ] and ]. <ref name="Numbers"> The ancestors of llamas are thought to have originated on the ] of ] about 40 million years ago and subsequently migrated to South America about three million years ago during the ]. By the end of the last ] (10,000–12,000 years ago), camelids were extinct in North America.<ref name=OK_State/> As of 2007, there were over seven million llamas and ]s in South America. Some were imported to the ] and ] late in the 20th century; their descendants now number more than 158,000 llamas and 100,000 alpacas.<ref name=Numbers>
{{cite web {{cite web
|url=http://www.scla.us/llamafacts.html |url=http://www.scla.us/llamafacts.html
|author=South Central Llama Association |author=South Central Llama Association
|title=Llama Facts |title=Llama Facts 2
|date=]}}</ref> |date=22 January 2009}}</ref>


In ] mythology, llamas are important beings. The Heavenly Llama is said to drink water from the ocean and urinates as it rains.<ref name=Sonia2015/> According to Aymara ], llamas will return to the water springs and ]s where they come from at the end of time.<ref name=Sonia2015>{{Cite book|title=Mitos de Chile: Enciclopedia de seres, apariciones y encantos|last=Montecino Aguirre|first=Sonia|publisher=] |year=2015|isbn=978-956-324-375-8 |page=415|chapter=Llamas |language=es}}</ref>
==Classification==
], ]]]
Although they were often compared by early writers to sheep and spoken of as such, their similarity to the camel was very soon perceived. They were included in the genus ''Camelus'' in the ''Systema Naturae'' of ]. They were, however, separated by ] in 1800 under the name of ''llama'' along with the alpaca and the guanaco. Vicuñas are in genus ''Vicugna''. The animals of the genus Lama are, with the two species of true camels, the sole existing representatives of a very distinct section of the "]" or even-toed ungulates, called ], or "bump-footed," from the peculiar bumps on the soles of their feet, on which they tread. This section thus consists of a single family, the ''Camelidae'', the other sections of the same great division being the ''Suina'' or ]s, the ''Tragulina'' or ]s, and the ''Pecora'' or true ], to each of which the ''Tylopoda'' have more or less affinity, standing in some respects in a central position between them, borrowing as it were some characters from each, but in others showing great special modifications not found in any of the other sections.


== Classification ==
The discoveries of a vast and previously unsuspected extinct fauna of the American continent of the ] period, as interpreted by the palaeontologists Leidy, Cope, and Marsh, has thrown a flood of light upon the early history of this family, and upon its relations to other mammals. It is now known that llamas at one time were not confined to the part of the continent south of the ], as at the present day, for their remains have been abundantly found in the ] deposits of the region of the ], and in ], some attaining a much larger size than those now existing. Some species of llamas did stay in North America during the last ice ages. 25,000 years ago, llamas would have been a common sight in modern-day ], ], ], ], ], and ]. These North American llamas belong to a single genus, ''Hemiauchenia'', which is extinct.
] girl with a llama in ], ]]]
], 2009]]


Lamoids, or llamas (as they are more generally known as a group), consist of the ] (''Lama vicugna''), ] (''Lama guanicoe''), Suri ], and ] (''Lama pacos''), and the domestic llama (''Lama glama''). Guanacos and vicuñas live in the wild, while llamas and alpacas exist only as domesticated animals.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Wonders of Llamas |isbn=0-396-07460-X |first=Roger |last=Perry |year=1977 |publisher=Dodd, Mead & Company |page= |url=https://archive.org/details/wondersofllamas00perr/page/7 }}</ref> Although early writers compared llamas to ], their similarity to the ] was soon recognized. They were included in the genus ''Camelus'' along with ] in the ''Systema Naturae'' (]) of ].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zb9zbY-JfBUC|isbn=0-8138-0397-7|title=Medicine and Surgery of South American Camelids|author=Murray E. Fowler|year=1998|publisher=Wiley-Blackwell|page=1}}</ref> They were, however, separated by ] in 1800 under the name of ''lama'' along with the ].<ref name=ITIS>{{cite web|title=Lama|url=https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=624943#|publisher=Integrated Taxonomic Information System|access-date=5 January 2013}}</ref> ] analysis has confirmed that the guanaco is the wild ancestor of the llama, while the vicuña is the wild ancestor of the alpaca.<ref name=wheeler>{{cite journal|first =Dr Jane|last =Wheeler|author2=Miranda Kadwell |author3=Matilde Fernandez |author4=Helen F. Stanley |author5=Ricardo Baldi |author6=Raul Rosadio |author7=Michael W. Bruford |date=December 2001|title =Genetic analysis reveals the wild ancestors of the llama and the alpaca|journal =Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences|volume =268|issue =1485|pages =2575–2584|id= 0962-8452 (Paper) 1471–2954 (Online)|doi = 10.1098/rspb.2001.1774|pmid =11749713|pmc =1088918 }}</ref>
Many camel-like animals exhibiting different genetic modifications and a gradual series of changes, coinciding with the antiquity of the deposits in which they are found, have been traced from the thoroughly differentiated species of the modern epoch down through the ] to the early ] beds. Their characters having become more generalized, they have lost all that especially distinguishes them as ''Camelidae'': they are merged into forms common to the ancestral type of all the other sections of the Artiodactyles.


The genus ''Lama'' is, with the two species of true camels, the sole existing representatives of a very distinct section of the ] (even-toed ungulates) called ], or "bump-footed", from the peculiar bumps on the soles of their feet. The Tylopoda consists of a single family, the Camelidae, and shares the ] Artiodactyla with the ] (]s), the Tragulina (]s), the ] (]s), and the ] (] and ]ns, which belong to Artiodactyla from a ], if not traditional, standpoint). The Tylopoda have more or less affinity to each of the sister ], standing in some respects in a middle position between them, sharing some characteristics from each, but in others showing special modifications not found in any of the other taxa.{{Citation needed|date=January 2009}}
So far none of these annectant forms have been found in any of the fossiliferous strata of the Old World; it may therefore be fairly surmised (according to the evidence at present before us) that ] were the original home of the Tylopoda, and that the true camels have passed over into the Old World, probably by way of north ]. Gradually driven southward, perhaps by changes of ], and having become isolated, they have undergone further special modifications. Meanwhile, those members of the family that remained in their original birthplace have become, through causes not clearly understood, restricted solely to the southern or most distant part of the continent. There are few groups of ] for which the palaeontological history has been so satisfactorily demonstrated as the llama.
]
The 19th-century discoveries of a vast and previously unexpected extinct ] fauna of North America, as interpreted by paleontologists ],<ref name="Florida Vertebrate Fossils 2013 k265">{{cite web | title=Mixson's Bone Bed | website=Florida Museum | date=September 30, 2013 | url=https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-vertebrate-fossils/sites/mixsons-bone-bed/ | access-date=March 26, 2024}}</ref> ],<ref name="NPS_camels 2021 m435">{{cite web | title=The Camels | website=U.S. National Park Service | date=October 12, 2021 | url=https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/the-camels.htm | access-date=March 26, 2024}}</ref> and ], aided understanding of the early history of this family.{{Citation needed|date=January 2009}} Llamas were not always confined to ]; abundant llama-like remains were found in ] deposits in the ] and in ]. Some of the ] llamas were much larger than current forms. Some species remained in North America during the last ice ages. North American llamas are categorized as an extinct genus, '']''. Llama-like animals would have been a common sight 25,000 years ago in modern-day ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name=kurten>{{cite book|last=Kurtén|first=Björn|title=Pleistocene Mammals of North America|year=1980|publisher=Columbia University Press|location=New York|isbn=0231037333|author2=Anderson, Elaine |page=307}}</ref>

The camelid lineage has a good fossil record. Camel-like animals have been traced back through early ] forms from the thoroughly differentiated, modern species. Their characteristics became more general, and they lost those that distinguished them as camelids; hence, they were classified as ancestral artiodactyls.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Evolutionary Transitions in the Fossil Record of Terrestrial Hoofed Mammals |last=Prothero |first=Donald R |date=April 16, 2009 |journal=Evolution: Education and Outreach |volume=2 |issue=2 |pages=289–302 |publisher= 2021 Springer Nature Switzerland AG. Part of Springer Nature. |doi=10.1007/s12052-009-0136-1 |s2cid=32344744 |doi-access=free }}</ref> No fossils of these earlier forms have been found in the ], indicating that North America was the original home of camelids and that the ancestors of Old World ]s crossed over via the ] from North America. The formation of the ] three million years ago allowed camelids to spread to South America as part of the ], where they evolved further. Meanwhile, North American camelids ].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Grayson |first1=Donald K. |year=1991 |title=Late Pleistocene mammalian extinctions in North America: Taxonomy, chronology, and explanations |journal=Journal of World Prehistory |volume= 5|issue=3 |pages=193–231 |publisher=Springer Netherlands |doi=10.1007/BF00974990|s2cid=162363534 }}</ref>

== Characteristics ==
]

A full-grown llama can reach a height of {{convert|1.7|to|1.8|m|ftin|abbr=on}} at the top of the head and can weigh between {{convert|130|and|272|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref></ref> At maturity, males can weigh 94.74&nbsp;kg, while females can weigh 102.27&nbsp;kg.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/846966060|title=South American camelids research. Volume 2|date=2008|publisher=Wageningen Academic Publishers| last1=Frank | first1=Eduardo | last2=Antonini | first2=Marco | last3=Toro | first3=Oscar|isbn=978-90-8686-648-9|location=Wageningen, Netherlands|oclc=846966060}}</ref> At birth, a baby llama (called a '']'') can weigh between {{convert|9|and|14|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. Llamas typically live for 15 to 25&nbsp;years, with some individuals surviving 30 years or more.<ref name=Characteristics>
{{cite web
|title=Llama characteristics
|date=25 June 2007
|website=Nose-n-Toes
|url=http://www.nose-n-toes.com/characts.htm
}}
</ref><ref name=Facts>{{cite web
|title=Llama facts&nbsp;1
|date=25 June 2007
|website=Llamas of Atlanta
|url=http://www.llamasofatlanta.com/llama_facts.htm
|access-date=5 August 2014
|archive-date=17 August 2016
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817045228/http://www.llamasofatlanta.com/llama_facts.htm
|url-status=dead
}}</ref><ref name=FAQ>
{{cite web
|title=Llama FAQ
|date=25 June 2007
|website=Twin Creeks Llamas
|url=http://www.twincreeksllamas.com/faq/FAQs.htm
}}
</ref>{{better source needed|sources, plural: all three are unathoritative breeders|date=December 2019}}


The following characteristics apply especially to llamas. ] of adults: incisors {{sfrac|1|3}} canines {{sfrac|1|1}}, premolars {{sfrac|2|2}}, molars {{sfrac|3|3}}; total 32. In the upper jaw, a compressed, sharp, pointed laniariform ] near the hinder edge of the ] is followed in the male at least by a moderate-sized, pointed, curved true ] in the anterior part of the maxilla.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dental anatomy of llamas |website=www.vivo.colostate.edu |publisher=] |url=http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/digestion/pregastric/llamapage.html |access-date=8 March 2012 |archive-date=29 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429144233/http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/digestion/pregastric/llamapage.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The isolated canine-like ] that follows in the camels is not present. The teeth of the molar series, which are in contact with each other, consist of two very small premolars (the first almost rudimentary) and three broad ], generally constructed like those of ''Camelus''. In the lower jaw, the three incisors are long, spatulate, and procumbent; the outer ones are the smallest. Next to these is a curved, suberect canine, followed after an interval by an isolated minute and often deciduous simple conical premolar; then a contiguous series of one premolar and three molars, which differ from those of ''Camelus'' in having a small accessory column at the anterior outer edge.
==Characteristics==
]
]n mountains]]
The following characteristics apply especially to llamas. ] of adults:-incisors 1/3 canines 1/1, premolars 2/2, molars 3/2; total 32. In the upper jaw there is a compressed, sharp, pointed laniariform ] near the hinder edge of the ], followed in the male at least by a moderate-sized, pointed, curved spank ] in the anterior part of the maxilla. The isolated canine-like ] which follows in the camels is not present. The teeth of the molar series which are in contact with each other consist of two very small premolars (the first almost rudimentary) and three broad ], constructed generally like those of ''Camelus''. In the lower jaw, the three incisors are long, spatulate, and procumbent; the outer ones are the smallest. Next to these is a curved, suberect canine, followed after an interval by an isolated minute and often deciduous simple conical premolar; then a contiguous series of one premolar and three molars, which differ from those of ''Camelus'' in having a small accessory column at the anterior outer edge.


The skull generally resembles that of Camelus, the relatively larger brain-cavity and orbits and less developed ] being due to its smaller size. The nasal bones are shorter and broader, and are joined by the premaxilla. The skull generally resembles that of ''Camelus'', with a larger brain cavity and orbits and less-developed ] due to its smaller size. The nasal bones are shorter and broader and are joined by the premaxilla.


]: ]:
* cervical 7, * cervical 7,
* dorsal 12, * dorsal 12,
* lumbar 7, * lumbar 7,
* sacral 4, * sacral 4,
* caudal 15 to 20. * caudal 15 to 20.


The ears are rather long and slightly curved inward, characteristically known as "banana" shaped. There is no dorsal hump. Feet are narrow, the toes being more separated than in the camels, each having a distinct plantar pad. The tail is short, and fibre is long, woolly and soft. The ears are rather long and slightly curved inward, characteristically known as "banana" shaped. There is no dorsal hump. The feet are narrow, the toes being more separated than in the camels, each having a distinct plantar pad. The tail is short, and the fiber is long, woolly, and soft.


In essential structural characteristics, as well as in general appearance and habits, all the animals of this genus very closely resemble each other, so that whether they should be considered as belonging to one, two, or more species is a matter of controversy among ]. In essential structural characteristics, as well as in general appearance and habits, all the animals of this genus very closely resemble each other, so whether they should be considered as belonging to one, two, or more species is a matter of controversy among ].


The question is complicated by the circumstance of the great majority of individuals which have come under observation being either in a completely or partially domesticated state. Many are also descended from ancestors which have previously been domesticated; a state which tends to produce a certain amount of variation from the original type. It has, however, lost much of its importance since the doctrine of the distinct ] has been generally abandoned. The four forms commonly distinguished by the inhabitants of South America are recognized by some naturalists as distinct species, and have had specific designations attached to them, though usually with expressions of doubt, and with great difficulties in defining their distinctive characteristics. The question is complicated by the circumstances of most individuals who have come under observation, either in a completely or partially domesticated state. Many are also descended from ancestors previously domesticated, a state that tends to produce a certain amount of variation from the original type. The four forms commonly distinguished by the inhabitants of South America are recognized as distinct species, though there are difficulties in defining their distinctive characteristics.


These are: These are:
* the llama, ''Auchenia glama'' (Linn.), or ''Lama peruana'' (Tiedemann); * the llama, ''Lama glama'' (]);
* the ], ''A. pacos'' (Linn.); * the ], ''Lama pacos'' (Linnaeus);
* the ] or huanaco, ''A. huonaeus'' (Molina); and * the ] (from the ] ''huanaco''), ''Lama guanicoe'' (]); and
* the ], ''A. vicugna'' (Molina), or ''A. vicuiena'', (Cuv.). * the ], ''Lama vicugna'' (])


The llama and alpaca are only known in the domestic state, and are variable in size and of many colours, being often white, brown, or piebald. Some are grey or black. The guanaco and vicuña are wild, the former being endangered, and of a nearly uniform light-brown colour, passing into white below. They certainly differ from each other, the vicuña being smaller, more slender in its proportions, and having a shorter head than the guanaco. The vicuña lives in ]s on the bleak and elevated parts of the mountain range bordering the region of perpetual snow, amidst rocks and precipices, occurring in various suitable localities throughout ], in the southern part of ], and as far south as the middle of ]. Its manners very much resemble those of the ] of the European ]; it is as vigilant, wild, and timid. The fibre is extremely delicate and soft, and highly valued for the purposes of weaving, but the quantity which each animal produces is minimal. The llama and alpaca are only known in the domestic state and are variable in size and of many colors, often white, brown, or piebald. Some are grey or black. The guanaco and vicuña are wild. The guanaco is endangered; it has a nearly uniform light-brown color, passing into white below.


The guanaco and vicuña certainly differ: The vicuña is more petite, more slender in its proportions, and has a shorter head than the guanaco.
==Reproduction==
]
Llamas have an unusual reproductive cycle for a large animal. Female llamas are induced ovulators. Through the act of mating, the female releases an egg and is often fertilized on the first attempt. Female llamas do not go into "heat" or have an estrus cycle. <ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.llamapaedia.com/reproduction/ovulate.html
|work=Llamapaedia
|title=Induced Ovulation
|date=]
|author=Greta Stamberg and Derek Wilson}}</ref>


The vicuña lives in ]s on the ] bordering the ], amidst rocks and precipices, occurring in various suitable localities throughout ], in the southern part of ], and as far south as the middle of ]. Its manners very much resemble those of the ] of the European ]; it is as vigilant, wild, and timid.
Like humans, llama males and females mature sexually at different rates. Females reach puberty at approximately 12 months. However, males do not become sexually mature until approximately 3 years. <ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2647232&dopt=Citation
|work=College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, ], ].
|publisher=National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health
|title=Llama reproduction
|date=]
|author=L. W. Johnson}}</ref>


Vicuña fiber is extremely delicate and soft and highly valued for weaving, but the quantity that each animal produces is small.
Differentiating characteristics between llamas and alpacas include the llama's larger size and longer head. Alpaca fiber is generally more expensive but not always more valuable. Alpacas tend to have a more consistent color throughout the body. The most apparent visual difference between llamas and ]s is that camels have a hump or humps and llamas do not.
Alpacas are primarily descended from wild vicuña ancestors. In contrast, domesticated llamas are descended primarily from wild guanaco ancestors, although a considerable amount of ] between the two species has occurred.
===Mating===
Llamas mate with the female in a kush (lying down) position, which is fairly unusual in a large animal. They mate for an extended period of time (20&ndash;45 minutes), also unusual in a large animal.


Differential characteristics between llamas and alpacas include the llama's larger size, longer head, and curved ears. Alpaca fiber is generally more expensive but not always more valuable. Alpacas tend to have a more consistent color throughout the body. The most apparent visual difference between llamas and ]s is that camels have a humps and llamas do not.
===Gestation===

The gestation period of a llama is 11 1/2 months (350 days). Dams (female llamas) do not lick off their babies, as they have an attached tongue which does not reach outside of the mouth more than half an inch. Rather, they will nuzzle and hum to their newborns. <ref>
Llamas are not ]s, pseudo-ruminants, or modified ruminants.<ref>{{cite web |first=Murray E. |last=Fowler |date=1 October 2016 |title=Camelids are not ruminants |website=Verterian Key (Veterinary Medicine Insight Engine) |id=Chapter&nbsp;46 |url=https://veteriankey.com/camelids-are-not-ruminants/ |access-date=2021-05-29}}</ref> They do have a complex three-compartment stomach that allows them to digest lower quality, high cellulose foods. The stomach compartments allow for fermentation of tricky foodstuffs, followed by regurgitation and re-chewing. ]s (cows, sheep, goats) have ''four'' compartments, whereas llamas have only three stomach compartments: the rumen, omasum, and abomasum.

In addition, the llama (and other camelids) have an extremely long and complex large intestine (colon). The large intestine's role in digestion is to reabsorb water, vitamins, and electrolytes from ] passing through it. The length of the llama's colon allows it to survive on much less water than other animals. This is a major advantage in arid climates where they live.<ref>{{cite web |first=Sheri |last=Amsel |date=13 November 2017 |title=Llama thoracic and abdominal organs (right view) |website=Exploring Nature |url=https://www.exploringnature.org/db/view/Llama-Thoracic-and-Abdonimal-Organs-Right-View}}</ref>{{Panorama
| image = Llamas, Laguna Milluni y Nevado Huayna Potosí (La Paz - Bolivia).jpg
| height = 360
| caption = {{center|A herd of llamas grazing by the side of the road in the ]. The species is fully domesticated.}}
}}

== Reproduction ==
] at ], Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa, Bolivia]]

Llamas have an unusual reproductive cycle for a large animal. Female llamas are ].<ref name=Chen>{{cite journal |journal=J. Reprod. Fertil. |year=1985 |volume=74 |issue=2 |pages=335–339 |title=Semen-induced ovulation in the Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus). |last1 = Chen|first1 = B.X.| last2 = Yuen|first2=Z.X.| last3 = Pan|first3 = G.W.
|doi=10.1530/jrf.0.0740335 |pmid=3900379 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Through mating, the female releases an egg and is often fertilized on the first attempt. Female llamas do not go into estrus ("heat").<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.llamapaedia.com/reproduction/ovulate.html |work=Llamapaedia |title=Induced Ovulation |date=12 April 2007 |author1=Greta Stamberg |author2=Derek Wilson |name-list-style=amp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070412025723/http://www.llamapaedia.com/reproduction/ovulate.html |archive-date=12 April 2007 }}</ref>

Like humans, llama males and females mature sexually at different rates. Females reach puberty at about 12 months old; males do not become sexually mature until around three years of age.<ref>
{{cite journal
|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2647232/
|journal=College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins.
|publisher=National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health
|title=Llama reproduction
|date=17 April 2007
|author=L. W. Johnson|volume=89
|issue=11
|pages=219–22
|pmid=7232
}}</ref>

=== Mating ===
Llamas mate in a kush (lying down) position, similar to big cats and canines, which is unusual in a large animal. They mate for an extended time (20–45 minutes), also unusual in a large animal.<ref name=CebraAnderson2014>{{cite book |author1=Chris Cebra |author2=David E. Anderson |author3=Ahmed Tibary |author4=Robert J. Van Saun |author5=LaRue Willard Johnson |title=Llama and Alpaca Care: Medicine, Surgery, Reproduction, Nutrition, and Herd Health |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8sU0AwAAQBAJ&q=copulation |date=15 February 2014 |publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences |isbn=978-0-323-24291-2}}</ref>

=== Gestation ===
The gestation period of a llama is 11.5 months (350 days). Dams (female llamas) do not lick off their babies, as they have an attached tongue that does not reach outside of the mouth more than {{convert|1/2|in|mm|order=flip|abbr=off}}. Rather, they will nuzzle and hum to their newborns.<ref>
{{cite web {{cite web
|url=http://www.llamaweb.com/about/reproduction.html |url=http://www.llamaweb.com/about/reproduction.html
|work=LlamaWeb |work=LlamaWeb
|title=The llama reproductive cycle |title=The llama reproductive cycle
|date=]}}</ref> |date=17 April 2007
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070303164258/http://www.llamaweb.com/about/reproduction.html
|archive-date=3 March 2007
}}</ref>


===Breeding situations=== === Crias ===
A ] (from Spanish for "baby") is the name for a baby llama, ], ], or ]. Crias are typically born with all the herd's females gathering to protect against the male llamas and potential predators. Llamas give birth standing. Birth is usually quick and problem-free, over in less than 30 minutes. Most births occur between 8 am and noon, during the warmer daylight hours. This may increase cria survival by reducing fatalities due to ] during cold Andean nights. This birthing pattern is considered a continuation of the birthing patterns observed in the wild. Their crias are up and standing, walking, and attempting to suckle within the first hour after birth.<ref>{{cite book |author= The Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Ohio State University|title= Camelid Medicine, Surgery, and Reproduction for Veterinarians|series= Part II|year= 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last= Long |first= Patrick O. |title= Llama & Alpaca Neonatal Care|page= 112|isbn=0-9646618-3-7|year= 1996|publisher= Clay Press }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last= Birutta|first= Gale|title= A Guide to Raising Llamas|page= |isbn= 0-88266-954-0|year= 1997|publisher= Storey Communications|url= https://archive.org/details/guidetoraisingll0000biru/page/327}}</ref> Crias are partially fed with llama milk that is lower in fat and salt and higher in phosphorus and calcium than cow or goat milk. A female llama will only produce about {{convert|60|ml|usfloz|abbr=off|0}} of milk at a time when she gives milk, so the cria must frequently suckle to receive the nutrients it requires.<ref name=VETMED>
====Harem breeding====
{{cite web
Male is left with females most of the year.
|url=http://vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/showarticle.cfm?id=222
====Field breeding====
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121211092218/http://vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/showarticle.cfm?id=222
A female is turned out into a field with a male llama and left there for some period of time. This is the easiest method in terms of labor, but the least useful in terms of prediction of a likely birth date. An ultrasound test can be performed and together with the exposure dates a better idea when the cria is expected can be determined.
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=11 December 2012
|author=Linda March
|title=Llamas: A Different Kind of Pet
|publisher=], College of Veterinary Medicine
|access-date=15 May 2009}}</ref>


====Hand breeding==== === Breeding methods ===
In '''harem mating''', the male is left with females most of the year.
This is the most efficient method, but requires the most work on the part of the human involved. A male and female llama are put into the same pen and breeding is monitored. They are then separated and rebred every other day until one or the other refuses the breeding. Usually one can get in two breedings using this method, though some studs have routinely refused to breed a female more than once. The separation presumably helps to keep the sperm count high for each breeding and also helps to keep the condition of the female llama's reproductive tract more sound. If the breeding is not successful within two to three weeks, the female is rebred once again.


For '''field mating''', a female is turned into a field with a male llama and left there for some time. This is the easiest method in terms of labor but the least useful in predicting a likely birth date. An ultrasound test can be performed, and together with the exposure dates, a better idea of when the cria is expected can be determined.
===Pregnancy===
====Testing for pregnancy====
Llamas should be tested for pregnancy after breeding at 2&ndash;3 weeks, 6 weeks, and at least 12 weeks.
#"Spit testing". Bring the potentially pregnant dam to an intact male. If the stud attempts to breed her and she lies down for him within a fairly short period of time, she is ''not'' pregnant. If she remains on her feet, spits, attacks him, or otherwise prevents his being able to mate, it is assumed that she is probably pregnant. This test gets its name due to the dam spitting at the male if she is pregnant.
#] testing. A veterinarian can take a blood sample test for progesterone. A high level can indicate a pregnancy.
#Palpation. In this test, the veterinarian or breeder manually feels inside the llama to detect a pregnancy. There are some risks to the llama, but it can be an accurate method for pregnancy detection.
#Ultrasound is the most accurate method in the hands of an experienced veterinarian. A veterinarian experienced with ultrasound can do an exterior exam and detect a fetus as early as 45 days.


'''Hand mating''' is the most efficient method, but it requires the most work on the part of the human involved. A male and female llama are put into the same pen, and mating is monitored. They are then separated and re-mated every other day until one refuses the mating. Usually, one can get in two matings using this method, though some stud males routinely refuse to mate a female more than once. The separation presumably helps to keep the sperm count high for each mating and also helps to keep the condition of the female llama's reproductive tract more sound. If the mating is unsuccessful within two to three weeks, the female is mated again.
====Pros and cons of pregnancy testing====
Spit testing with an intact male is generally free and is usually accurate. However, some hormonal conditions in females can make them reject a male when they are in fact not pregnant, and, more rarely, accept a male when they are pregnant. Progesterone tests can give a high reading in some females with a hormonal problem who are in fact not pregnant. Neither of the previous methods, nor palpation, can give you a reasonably accurate idea of the age of the fetus, while ultrasound can. In addition, ultrasound can distinguish between pregnancy and misleading physical conditions, or between a live and dead fetus. The big disadvantage of ultrasound is that some training in the use of ultrasound is required, and not all veterinarians have the expensive equipment needed to take ultrasound readings.


==Nutrition== == Nutrition ==
]
Options for feeding llamas are quite wide. The llama owner has a wide variety of commercial and farm based food products to choose from for llamas. The major determining factors which enter into the decision of what to feed include feed cost, availability of feed, nutrient balance and energy density required. Young llamas, which are still actively growing, require a greater concentration of nutrients than mature animals because of their relatively smaller digestive tract capacity.<ref>
Options for feeding llamas are quite wide; various commercial and farm-based feeds are available. The major determining factors include feed cost, availability, nutrient balance and energy density required. Young, actively growing llamas require a greater concentration of nutrients than mature animals because of their smaller digestive tract capacities.<ref>
{{cite web {{cite web
|url=http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/alt-ag/llama.htm |url=http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/alt-ag/llama.htm
|work=Department of Agricultural Economics, ] |work=Department of Agricultural Economics, ]
|title=Llama |title=Llama
|date=] |date=17 April 2007
|author=Randy Sell}}</ref> |author=Randy Sell}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable" align="center" {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;"
|+ Estimated daily requirements of bromgrass hay, alfalfa hay and corn silage on an as fed and 100 percent dry matter basis for llamas from 22 to 550 pounds.<ref> |+ Estimated daily requirements{{Clarify|post-text=(what units?)|date=November 2010}} of bromegrass hay, alfalfa hay and corn silage on an as-fed and 100% dry matter basis for llamas from 22 to 550&nbsp;pounds.<ref>
{{cite book |last=Fowler, DVM |first=Murray E. |title=Medicine and Surgery of South American Camelids; Llama, Alpaca, Vicuña, Guanaco |publisher=] Press |year=1989 |isbn=978-0-8138-0393-7}}</ref>
{{cite paper
| author = Murray E. Fowler, DVM
| title = Medicine and Surgery of South American Camelids; Llama, Alpaca, Vicuña, Guanaco
| version =
| publisher = ] Press
| date = ]
| url =
| format =
| accessdate = }}</ref>
|- |-
! rowspan="2" | Body Weight<br> (lbs) ! rowspan="2" | Body weight{{br}} (lb)
! colspan="2" | Bromgrass ! colspan="2" | Bromegrass
! colspan="2" | Alfalfa ! colspan="2" | Alfalfa
! colspan="2" | Corn Silage ! colspan="2" | Corn silage
|- |-
! (as fed) ! (as fed)
Line 168: Line 195:
! (as fed) ! (as fed)
! (dry matter) ! (dry matter)
|-
|- align="right"
| 22 | 22
| 0.8 | 0.8
Line 176: Line 203:
| 1.5 | 1.5
| 0.4 | 0.4
|-
|- align="right"
| 44 | 44
| 1.3 | 1.3
Line 184: Line 211:
| 2.6 | 2.6
| 0.7 | 0.7
|-
|- align="right"
| 88 | 88
| 2.1 | 2.1
Line 192: Line 219:
| 4.3 | 4.3
| 1.2 | 1.2
|-
|- align="right"
| 110 | 110
| 2.6 | 2.6
Line 200: Line 227:
| 5.2 | 5.2
| 1.4 | 1.4
|-
|- align="right"
| 165 | 165
| 3.4 | 3.4
Line 208: Line 235:
| 6.9 | 6.9
| 1.9 | 1.9
|-
|- align="right"
| 275 | 275
| 5.0 | 5.0
Line 216: Line 243:
| 10.1 | 10.1
| 2.8 | 2.8
|-
|- align="right" style="font: courier"
| 385 | 385
| 6.4 | 6.4
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| 12.9 | 12.9
| 3.6 | 3.6
|-
|- align="right"
| 495 | 495
| 7.8 | 7.8
Line 232: Line 259:
| 15.8 | 15.8
| 4.4 | 4.4
|-
|- align="right"
| 550 | 550
| 8.5 | 8.5
Line 242: Line 269:
|} |}


==Behavior== == Behavior ==
].]] ]]]
Llamas who are well-socialized and trained to halter and lead after weaning are very friendly and pleasant to be around. They are extremely curious and most will approach people easily. However, llamas who are bottle-fed or over-socialised and over-handled as youngsters will become extremely difficult to handle when mature, when they will begin to treat humans as they treat each other, which is characterized by bouts of spitting, kicking and neck wrestling. Anyone having to bottle-feed a cria should keep contact to a minimum and stop as soon as possible. Llamas that are well-socialized and trained to halter and lead after ] are very friendly and pleasant to be around. They are extremely curious, and most will approach people easily. However, ] or over-socialized and over-handled as youth will become extremely difficult to handle when mature, when they will begin to treat humans as they treat each other, which is characterized by bouts of spitting, kicking and neck wrestling.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Llama farmers say beasts no burden|last=Britton|first=Rick|date=24 May 2001|work=]|page=14}}</ref>


Llamas are now utilized as certified therapy animals in nursing homes and hospitals. ], located in the ] was certified in 2008. The ] says animal-assisted therapy can reduce pain, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. This type of therapy is growing in popularity, and several organizations throughout the United States participate.
When correctly reared spitting at a human is a rare thing. Llamas are very social herd animals, however, and do sometimes spit at each other as a way of disciplining lower-ranked llamas in the herd. A llama's social rank in a herd is never static. They can always move up or down in the social ladder by picking small fights. This is usually done between males to see who becomes alpha. Their fights are visually dramatic with spitting, ramming each other with their chests, neck wrestling and kicking, mainly to knock the other off balance. The females are usually only seen spitting as a means of controlling other herd members.
<ref name=CNN>{{cite web
| url = https://www.cnn.com/2016/03/14/health/llama-pet-therapy-oregon-feat/index.html
| title =Do you know what's happening to your clothing donations?
| website =CNN
| date =14 March 2016
| access-date =18 February 2020
}}</ref>


When correctly reared, llamas spitting at a human is a rare thing. Llamas are very social herd animals, however, and sometimes spit at each other to discipline lower-ranked llamas. A llama's social rank in a herd is never static. They can always move up or down the social ladder by picking small fights. This is usually done between males to see which will become dominant. Their fights are visually dramatic, characterized by spitting, ramming each other with their chests, neck wrestling, and kicking, mainly to knock the other off balance. The females are usually only seen spitting to control other herd members. One may determine how agitated the llama is by the materials in the spit. The more irritated the llama is, the further back into each of the three stomach compartments it will try to draw materials from for its spit.
While the social structure might always be changing, they are a family and they do take care of each other. If one notices a strange noise or feels threatened, a warning bray is sent out and all others come to alert. They will often hum to each other as a form of communication.


While the social structure might constantly change, they live as a family and care for each other. If one notices a strange noise or feels threatened, an alarm call - a loud, shrill sound that rhythmically rises and falls - is sent out, and all others become alert. They will often hum to each other as a form of communication.
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 its ears back. One may determine how agitated the llama is by the materials in the spit. The more irritated the llama is, the further back into each of the three stomach compartments it will try to draw materials from for its spit.


The llama's groaning noises or going "mwa" (/mwaʰ/) is often a sign of fear or anger. Unhappy or agitated llamas will lay their ears back, while ears being perked upwards is a sign of happiness or curiosity.
An "orgle" is the mating sound of a llama or alpaca, made by the male is sexually aroused. The sound is reminiscient of gargling, but with a more forceful, buzzing edge. Males begin the sound when they become aroused and continue throughout the act of procreation &mdash; from 15 minutes to more than an hour.<ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.llamapaedia.com/behavior/sounds.html
|work=Llamapedia
|title=Behavior: Sounds
|date=]
|author=Greta Stamberg and Derek Wilson}}</ref>


An "orgle" is the mating sound of a llama or alpaca, made by the sexually aroused male. The sound is reminiscent of gargling but with a more forceful, buzzing edge. Males begin the sound when they become aroused and continue throughout ].<ref>
==History==
{{cite web
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pbs.org/gunsgermssteel/show/episode2.html|work=PBS|title=Guns, Germs & Steel. The Show: Episode Two|date=]|author=Jared Diamond}}</ref> Gregory de Bolivar estimated that in his day, as many as three hundred thousand were employed in the ] of produce from the ] mines alone, but since the introduction of ], ], and ], the importance of the llama as a beast of burden has greatly diminished. <ref>
|url=http://www.llamapaedia.com/behavior/sounds.html
|work=Llamapedia
|title=Behavior: Sounds
|date=2 September 1997
|author1=Greta Stamberg
|author2=Derek Wilson
|name-list-style=amp
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061015040744/https://www.llamapaedia.com/behavior/sounds.html
|archive-date=15 October 2006
}}</ref><ref>
{{cite web {{cite web
|url=http://www.pbs.org/gunsgermssteel/variables/llamas.html |url=http://personal.smartt.com/~brianp/allsounds.html
|work=PBS |work=Humm Page
|title=Llama Sounds
|title=Guns, Germs & Steel. The story of ... Llamas
|date=] |date=17 May 2008
|author=Jared Diamond}}</ref> |author=Brian and Jane Pinkerton
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509062153/http://personal.smartt.com/~brianp/allsounds.html
|archive-date=9 May 2008
}}</ref>


== Llama Fiber == === Guard behavior ===
{{Main|Guard llama}}
Llamas also have a fine undercoat which can be used for handicrafts and garments. The coarser outer guard hair is used for rugs, wall-hangings and lead ropes. The fiber comes in many different colors ranging from white, grey, redish brown, brown, dark brown and black.
] ]]<!-- Commented out: ], Lancashire, ''circa'' 1912]] -->
Using llamas as livestock guards in North America began in the early 1980s, and some sheep producers have used llamas successfully since then. Some would even use them to guard their smaller cousins, the alpaca.<ref>International Llama Association. (1995). "Guard Llamas." ILA Educational Brochure No. 2.</ref><ref name = "Geo">Walker, Cameron. "" '']'', 10 June 2003.</ref> They are used most commonly in the western regions of the ], where larger predators, such as coyotes and feral dogs, are prevalent. Typically, a single gelding (castrated male) is used.


Research suggests using multiple guard llamas is not as effective as one. Multiple males tend to bond with one another rather than with the livestock and may ignore the flock. A gelded male of two years of age bonds closely with its new charges and is instinctively very effective in preventing predation. Some llamas bond more quickly to sheep or goats if introduced just before ]. Many sheep and goat producers indicate a special bond quickly develops between lambs and their guard llama, and the llama is particularly protective of the lambs.
The individual shafts of the wool can be measured in microns. 1 micron = 1/1000 millimeter.


Using llamas as guards has reduced the losses to predators for many producers. The value of the livestock saved each year exceeds a llama's purchase cost and annual maintenance. Although not every llama is suited to the job, most are a viable, nonlethal alternative for reducing predation, requiring no training and little care.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.whyllama.com/GuardLlamas.htm#Guarding%20behavior/ |title=Guard Llamas: An Alternative for Effective Predator Management |access-date=28 April 2010 |archive-date=17 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517005201/http://whyllama.com/GuardLlamas.htm#Guarding%20behavior/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{better source needed|date=June 2017}}
{| class="wikitable" align="center"

|+ A table of the average diameter of some of the finest, natural fibers.<ref>
== Fiber ==
{{cite web
Llamas have a fine undercoat, which can be used for ]s and ]. The coarser outer guard hair is used for rugs, wall hangings, and lead ropes. The fiber comes in many colors, ranging from white or grey to reddish-brown, brown, dark brown, and black.
|url=http://www.llama.org/llama_fiber.htm

|work=International Llama Association
]]]
|title=Llama Fiber
{| class="wikitable"
|date=]
|+ Average diameter of some of the finest, natural fibers<ref>{{cite web
|author=Beula Williams}}</ref>
|url=http://www.llama.org/llama_fiber.htm
|work=International Llama Association
|title=Llama Fiber
|date=17 April 2007
|author=Beula Williams
|access-date=17 April 2007
|archive-date=6 November 2018
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106171527/http://www.llama.org/llama_fiber.htm
|url-status=dead
}}</ref>
|- |-
! Animal ! Animal
! Fiber Diameter<br> (microns) ! Fiber diameter{{br}} (]s)
|- |-
| ] | ]
| align="right" | 6 – 10 | style="text-align:right;" | 6–10
|- |-
| ] (Suri) | ] (])
| align="right" | 10 - 15 | style="text-align:right;" | 10–15
|- |-
| ] (Qivlut) | ] (])
| align="right" | 11 - 13 | style="text-align:right;" | 11–13
|- |-
| ] | ]
| align="right" | 12 - 20 | style="text-align:right;" | 12–20
|- |-
| ] | ] (])
| align="right" | 13 | style="text-align:right;" | 13
|- |-
| ] | ] (])
| align="right" | 15 - 19 | style="text-align:right;" | 15–19
|- |-
| ] Down | ] (])
| align="right" | 15 - 19 | style="text-align:right;" | 15–19
|- |-
| ] Down | ] (])
| align="right" | 16 - 25 | style="text-align:right;" | 16–25
|- |-
| ] | ]
| align="right" | 16 - 18 | style="text-align:right;" | 16–18
|- |-
| Llama (Tapada) | Llama (Tapada)
| align="right" | 20 - 30 | style="text-align:right;" | 20–30
|- |-
| ] | ]
| align="right" | 21 | style="text-align:right;" | 21
|- |-
| ] | ] (])
| align="right" | 25 - 45 | style="text-align:right;" | 25–45
|- |-
| Alpaca (Huacaya) | ]
| align="right" | 27.7 | style="text-align:right;" | 27.7
|- |-
| Llama (Ccara) | Llama (Ccara)
| align="right" | 30 - 40 | style="text-align:right;" | 30–40
|} |}


== Medical uses ==
Technically the fiber is not wool as it is hollow with a structure of diagonal 'walls' which makes it strong, light and good insulation. Wool as a word by itself refers to sheep fiber. However, llama fiber is commonly referred to as llama wool or llama fiber.
Doctors and researchers have determined that llamas possess antibodies that are well-suited to treat certain diseases.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kramer|first=Jillian|date=6 May 2020|title=Hoping Llamas Will Become Coronavirus Heroes|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/06/science/llama-coronavirus-antibodies.html|access-date=13 May 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Scientists have been studying the way llamas might contribute to the fight against coronaviruses, including MERS and SARS-CoV-2 (which causes ]).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Here's How Llamas Could Help Scientists Get Closer to Stopping the Coronavirus Pandemic|url=https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/coronavirus/llama-antibodies-covid-19|website=Health.com|language=EN|access-date=13 May 2020}}</ref><ref>
{{cite web
|url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/16/llama-coronavirus-antibodies-study-benefits
|title= 'Llamas are the real unicorns': why they could be our secret weapon against coronavirus
|work= ]
|date = 17 May 2020
|author= Mathew Cantor
|access-date=17 May 2020}}
</ref>


== History of domestication==
==Llamas in popular culture==
]
{{main|Llama (computer culture)}}
]
The llama has stimulated a lot of art, and literature. For example,
|url= http://art.thewalters.org/detail/80204
|title= Llama Effigy}}</ref> The Walters Art Museum.]]


=== Pre-Incan cultures ===
<CENTER>
Scholar Alex Chepstow-Lusty has argued that the switch from a ] lifestyle to widespread ] was only possible because of the use of llama ] as ].<ref>Anning, Caroline. (22 May 2011) . BBC.co.uk. Retrieved on 21 August 2011.</ref>
''The Llama is a woolly sort of fleecy hairy goat,<br />''
''With an indolent expression and an undulating throat<br />''
''Like an unsuccessful literary man.<br />''
''] "More Beasts for Worse Children - The Llama" 1897''</CENTER><br />


The ] people frequently placed llamas and their parts in the burials of important people as offerings or provisions for the afterlife.<ref>Berrin, Katherine & ]. ''The Spirit of Ancient Peru:Treasures from the Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera.'' New York: ], 1997 {{ISBN|0-500-01802-2}}.</ref> The Moche of ] ] depicted llamas quite realistically in their ceramics.


=== Inca Empire ===
In the ], llamas were the only beasts of burden, and many of the people dominated by the Inca had long traditions of llama herding. For the Inca nobility, the llama was symbolic, and llama figures were often buried with the dead.<ref name=Inca_Culture>
{{cite web
|url = http://www.nationalgeographic.com/inca/inca_culture_4.html
|work = Inca culture
|title = Little Llamas
|date = 10 October 2006
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060907054938/http://www.nationalgeographic.com/inca/inca_culture_4.html
|archive-date = 7 September 2006
|df = dmy-all
}}</ref>
In South America, llamas are still used as beasts of burden, as well as for the production of ] and ].<ref name=Other_Culture>
{{cite web
|url=https://naldc.nal.usda.gov/download/7086258/PDF
|author1=Jean Larson|author2=Judith Ho
|title=Information Resources on the South American Camelids: Llamas, Alpacas, Guanacos, and Vicunas 1943–2006
|date=25 June 2007
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502005035/http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/pubs/llama.htm
|archive-date=2 May 2014
}}</ref>


The ] deity ] was depicted in the form of a multicolored llama.<ref>{{cite book|last= D'Altroy|first= Terence N.|title= The Incas|series= The People of America|publisher= ]|location= ]|isbn= 978-0-631-17677-0|page= |chapter= The Inca Pantheon|year= 2002|chapter-url= https://archive.org/details/incasthepeopleso00tere/page/149}}</ref>
The name "llama" has been used for a wide variety of descriptions for people and items alike within general computing and gaming industries. Within some computing environments, the label "llama" has been derogatory indicating a person with little knowledge and new to the environment. Acronyms have been spelled similarly to llama and thus pronounced as llama. The llama has proved to be quite popular among some simulation games. Also the llama has been made popular in many movies as well, such as Napoleon Dynamite and The Emperor's New Groove.


] has argued that the large numbers of llamas found in the southern Peruvian highlands were an essential factor in the rise of the ].<ref name=Gade2016>{{cite book |last=Gade |first=Daniel |date=2016 |title=Spell of the Urubamba: Anthropogeographical Essays on an Andean Valley in Space and Time |url=https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783319208480#aboutBook |chapter=Urubamba Verticality: Reflections on Crops and Diseases |page=86 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-3-319-20849-7 }}</ref> It is worth considering the maximum extent of the Inca Empire roughly coincided with the most significant distribution of ]s and llamas in Pre-Hispanic America.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hardoy |first=Jorge Henríque |date=1973 |title=Pre-Columbian Cities |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fbQJBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA24|page=24 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0802703804 }}</ref> The link between the Andean ]s of ] and ], llama ] and the Inca state is a matter of research.<ref name=Gade1996>{{cite journal |last1=Gade |first1=Daniel W. |date=1996 |title=Carl Troll on Nature and Culture in the Andes (Carl Troll über die Natur und Kultur in den Anden) |journal=] |volume=50 |issue=4 |pages=301–316 |doi=10.3112/erdkunde.1996.04.02 }}</ref>
== References ==
{{reflist}}


==See also== === Spanish Empire ===
]
{{Commons|Lama glama|Llama}}
One of the main uses for llamas at the time of the ] was to bring down ore from the mines in the mountains.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/gunsgermssteel/show/episode2.html|work=PBS|title=Guns, Germs & Steel. The Show: Episode Two|date=12 April 2007|author=Jared Diamond}}</ref> Gregory de Bolivar estimated that in his day, as many as 300,000 were employed in the ] of produce from the ] mines alone, but since the introduction of ]s, ]s, and ]s, the importance of the llama as a beast of burden has greatly diminished.<ref>
*], a breed between a llama and a ].
{{cite web
*], Llamas used as livestock guardians.
|url=https://www.pbs.org/gunsgermssteel/variables/llamas.html
|work=PBS
|title=Guns, Germs & Steel. The story of&nbsp;... Llamas
|date=12 April 2007
|author=Jared Diamond}}</ref>

According to ], the Dutch captain ] observed the use of ] (possibly a llama type) by native ]s of ] as ] in 1614.<ref>{{cite book|author=Juan Bautista Ignacio Molina|title=The geographical, natural and civil history of Chili, tr. by an American gentleman |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F4oIAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA15|access-date=22 August 2011|year=1808|pages=15–16|volume =II}}</ref>

In Chile ], populations declined towards extinction in the 16th and 17th century being replaced by European livestock.<ref name=bona/> The causes of its extinction are not clear.<ref name=bona>{{cite journal |last1=Bonacic |first1=Cristián |title=Características biológicas y productivas de los camélidos sudamericanos |journal=Avances en Ciencias Veterinarias |date=1991 |volume=6 |issue=2 |doi=10.5354/0716-260x.1991.4642|doi-access=|language=es}}</ref> However, it is known that the introduction of sheep caused some competition among both domestic species.<ref name=Torrejonetal2004/> Anecdotal evidence of the mid-17th century shows that both species coexisted and suggests that there were many more sheep than hueques.<ref name=Torrejonetal2004/> The decline of hueques reached a point in the late 18th century when only the Mapuche from ] and Huequén next to ] raised the animal.<ref name=Torrejonetal2004>{{cite journal |last1=Torrejón |first1=Fernando |last2=Cisternas |first2=Marco|last3=Araneda |first3=Alberto |date=2004 |title=Efectos ambientales de la colonización española desde el río Maullín al archipiélago de Chiloé, sur de Chile |trans-title=Environmental effects of the spanish colonization from de Maullín river to the Chiloé archipelago, southern Chile |url=http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?pid=S0716-078X2004000400009&script=sci_arttext&tlng=en |journal=] |volume=77 |issue=4 |pages=661–677 |doi=10.4067/S0716-078X2004000400009 |language=es |doi-access=free }}</ref>
{{clear}}

=== United States ===

Llamas were first imported into the US in the late 1800s as zoo exhibits. Restrictions on importation of livestock from South America due to ], combined with lack of commercial interest, resulted in the number of llamas staying low until the late 20th century. In the 1970s, interest in llamas as livestock began to grow, and the number of llamas increased as farmers bred and produced an increasing number of animals.<ref>{{cite web | title=History of Llamas North America | url=http://www.llama-llama.com/text/history-na.html |work=Buckhorn Llama Co.}}</ref> Both the price and number of llamas in the US climbed rapidly in the 1980s and 1990s. With little market for llama fiber or meat in the US and the value of guard llamas limited, the primary value in llamas was in breeding more animals, a classic sign of a ] in agriculture. By 2002, there were almost 145,000 llamas in the US, according to the ], and animals sold for as much as $220,000. However, the lack of any end market for the animals resulted in a crash in both llama prices and the number of llamas; the ] further dried up investment capital, and the number of llamas in the US began to decline as fewer animals were bred and older animals died of old age. By 2017, the number of llamas in the US had dropped below 40,000.<ref>{{cite news |last=McCausland |first=Phil |title=Agriculture census finds that llamas are disappearing. What happened? | url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/llamas-disappearing-across-united-states-n994181 |work=NBC News | date=14 April 2019 |access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref> A similar speculative bubble was experienced with the closely related ], which burst shortly after the llama bubble.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cima |first=Rosie |title=When the Great Alpaca Bubble Burst |work=Priceonomics |date=14 August 2015 | url=https://priceonomics.com/when-the-great-alpaca-bubble-burst/ }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Kaitlin Bell |title=Alpacas: Lovable Lawnmowers No More |work=Modern Farmer |url=https://modernfarmer.com/2014/11/alpaca-industry-matures-growing-pains/ |date=6 November 2014 |access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref>

==Culture==
Being an important animal and long-standing cultural icon in South America, Llamas gained in recent history cultural prominence in ].<ref name="Wakild 2020">{{cite web | last=Wakild | first=Emily | title=Llamas are having a moment in the US, but they've been icons in South America for millennia | website=The Conversation | date=Dec 18, 2020 | url=http://theconversation.com/llamas-are-having-a-moment-in-the-us-but-theyve-been-icons-in-south-america-for-millennia-138790 | access-date=Sep 9, 2021}}</ref>

For example, the videogame company ] has used Llamas extensively as elements in their games,<ref name="CNN 2000">{{cite web | title=Will Wright on creating 'The Sims' and 'SimCity' - November 30, 2000 | website=CNN | date=2000-11-30 | url=http://edition.cnn.com/chat/transcripts/2000/12/1/wright.chat/ | access-date=2022-10-03}}</ref> particularly in the widely popular game series ], Llamas being the national symbol of the country the broader series of ] games are set in. The online video game ] uses ] llamas as loot containers, which contain various in-game resources.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What are Loot Llamas? |url=https://www.epicgames.com/help/en-US/fortnite-c5719335176219/save-the-world-c5719367703579/what-are-loot-llamas-a5720280645147 |website=Epic Games}}</ref> Also the programming language ] with its so-called ] has been associated with Llamas.

== See also ==
{{Portal|Andes}}
{{div col}}
* ]
* ], a hybrid between a llama and a ]
* ], a parody originating from Mainland China in 2009 that features the alpaca and llama
* ]
* ], llamas used as livestock guardians
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ''],'' a 2000 animated ] film where an ]n emperor gets turned into a llama.
{{div col end}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Wiktionary|llama}}
* - Llama information page. Commercial site but information is comprehensive and useful
{{Wikispecies|Lama glama}}
* - Llama information page.
{{Commons|Lama glama|Llama}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.llamapaedia.com/gifs/orgle.aiff|title=Llamapaedia Orgle Sound|format=AIFF}}

* - The whole of the poem quoted at the head of the article.
*{{Cite EB1911 |wstitle=Llama |volume=16 |page=829 |short=1}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.llamapaedia.com/gifs/orgle.aiff |title=Llamapaedia Orgle Sound |format=AIFF |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030063729/http://www.llamapaedia.com/gifs/orgle.aiff |archive-date=30 October 2007 }}
* – slideshow by '']''
* {{Cite Americana|wstitle=Llama |short=x}}

{{Camelids}} {{Camelids}}
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{{Working animals}}


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Latest revision as of 05:08, 1 January 2025

Species of wooly domesticated mammal For other uses, see Llama (disambiguation) and Llamas (disambiguation). For the language model, see Llama (language model). Not to be confused with Ilama or Lama.

Llama
Conservation status
Domesticated
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Camelidae
Genus: Lama
Species: L. glama
Binomial name
Lama glama
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Domestic llama and alpaca range
Synonyms

Camelus glama Linnaeus, 1758

The llama (/ˈlɑːmə/; Spanish pronunciation: [ˈʎama] or [ˈʝama]) (Lama glama) is a domesticated South American camelid, widely used as a meat and pack animal by Andean cultures since the pre-Columbian era.

Llamas are social animals and live with others as a herd. Their wool is soft and contains only a small amount of lanolin. Llamas can learn simple tasks after a few repetitions. When using a pack, they can carry about 25 to 30% of their body weight for 8 to 13 km (5–8 miles). The name llama (also historically spelled "lama" or "glama") was adopted by European settlers from native Peruvians.

The ancestors of llamas are thought to have originated on the Great Plains of North America about 40 million years ago and subsequently migrated to South America about three million years ago during the Great American Interchange. By the end of the last ice age (10,000–12,000 years ago), camelids were extinct in North America. As of 2007, there were over seven million llamas and alpacas in South America. Some were imported to the United States and Canada late in the 20th century; their descendants now number more than 158,000 llamas and 100,000 alpacas.

In Aymara mythology, llamas are important beings. The Heavenly Llama is said to drink water from the ocean and urinates as it rains. According to Aymara eschatology, llamas will return to the water springs and ponds where they come from at the end of time.

Classification

A traditionally dressed Quechua girl with a llama in Cusco, Peru
Llama in captivity in Japan, 2009

Lamoids, or llamas (as they are more generally known as a group), consist of the vicuña (Lama vicugna), guanaco (Lama guanicoe), Suri alpaca, and Huacaya alpaca (Lama pacos), and the domestic llama (Lama glama). Guanacos and vicuñas live in the wild, while llamas and alpacas exist only as domesticated animals. Although early writers compared llamas to sheep, their similarity to the camel was soon recognized. They were included in the genus Camelus along with alpaca in the Systema Naturae (1758) of Carl Linnaeus. They were, however, separated by Georges Cuvier in 1800 under the name of lama along with the guanaco. DNA analysis has confirmed that the guanaco is the wild ancestor of the llama, while the vicuña is the wild ancestor of the alpaca.

The genus Lama is, with the two species of true camels, the sole existing representatives of a very distinct section of the Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates) called Tylopoda, or "bump-footed", from the peculiar bumps on the soles of their feet. The Tylopoda consists of a single family, the Camelidae, and shares the order Artiodactyla with the Suina (pigs), the Tragulina (chevrotains), the Pecora (ruminants), and the Whippomorpha (hippos and cetaceans, which belong to Artiodactyla from a cladistic, if not traditional, standpoint). The Tylopoda have more or less affinity to each of the sister taxa, standing in some respects in a middle position between them, sharing some characteristics from each, but in others showing special modifications not found in any of the other taxa.

A domestic llama

The 19th-century discoveries of a vast and previously unexpected extinct Paleogene fauna of North America, as interpreted by paleontologists Joseph Leidy, Edward Drinker Cope, and Othniel Charles Marsh, aided understanding of the early history of this family. Llamas were not always confined to South America; abundant llama-like remains were found in Pleistocene deposits in the Rocky Mountains and in Central America. Some of the fossil llamas were much larger than current forms. Some species remained in North America during the last ice ages. North American llamas are categorized as an extinct genus, Hemiauchenia. Llama-like animals would have been a common sight 25,000 years ago in modern-day California, Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Missouri, and Florida.

The camelid lineage has a good fossil record. Camel-like animals have been traced back through early Miocene forms from the thoroughly differentiated, modern species. Their characteristics became more general, and they lost those that distinguished them as camelids; hence, they were classified as ancestral artiodactyls. No fossils of these earlier forms have been found in the Old World, indicating that North America was the original home of camelids and that the ancestors of Old World camels crossed over via the Bering Land Bridge from North America. The formation of the Isthmus of Panama three million years ago allowed camelids to spread to South America as part of the Great American Interchange, where they evolved further. Meanwhile, North American camelids died out at the end of the Pleistocene.

Characteristics

Skeleton of a llama

A full-grown llama can reach a height of 1.7 to 1.8 m (5 ft 7 in to 5 ft 11 in) at the top of the head and can weigh between 130 and 272 kg (287 and 600 lb). At maturity, males can weigh 94.74 kg, while females can weigh 102.27 kg. At birth, a baby llama (called a cria) can weigh between 9 and 14 kg (20 and 31 lb). Llamas typically live for 15 to 25 years, with some individuals surviving 30 years or more.

The following characteristics apply especially to llamas. Dentition of adults: incisors ⁠1/3⁠ canines ⁠1/1⁠, premolars ⁠2/2⁠, molars ⁠3/3⁠; total 32. In the upper jaw, a compressed, sharp, pointed laniariform incisor near the hinder edge of the premaxilla is followed in the male at least by a moderate-sized, pointed, curved true canine in the anterior part of the maxilla. The isolated canine-like premolar that follows in the camels is not present. The teeth of the molar series, which are in contact with each other, consist of two very small premolars (the first almost rudimentary) and three broad molars, generally constructed like those of Camelus. In the lower jaw, the three incisors are long, spatulate, and procumbent; the outer ones are the smallest. Next to these is a curved, suberect canine, followed after an interval by an isolated minute and often deciduous simple conical premolar; then a contiguous series of one premolar and three molars, which differ from those of Camelus in having a small accessory column at the anterior outer edge.

Names of llama body parts: 1 ears – 2 poll – 3 withers – 4 back – 5 hip – 6 croup – 7 base of tail – 8 tail – 9 buttock – 10 hock – 11 metatarsal gland – 12 heel – 13 cannon bone – 14 gaskin – 15 stifle joint – 16 flank – 17 barrel – 18 elbow – 19 pastern – 20 fetlock – 21 Knee – 22 Chest – 23 point of shoulder – 24 shoulder – 25 throat – 26 cheek or jowl – 27 muzzle

The skull generally resembles that of Camelus, with a larger brain cavity and orbits and less-developed cranial ridges due to its smaller size. The nasal bones are shorter and broader and are joined by the premaxilla.

Vertebrae:

  • cervical 7,
  • dorsal 12,
  • lumbar 7,
  • sacral 4,
  • caudal 15 to 20.

The ears are rather long and slightly curved inward, characteristically known as "banana" shaped. There is no dorsal hump. The feet are narrow, the toes being more separated than in the camels, each having a distinct plantar pad. The tail is short, and the fiber is long, woolly, and soft.

In essential structural characteristics, as well as in general appearance and habits, all the animals of this genus very closely resemble each other, so whether they should be considered as belonging to one, two, or more species is a matter of controversy among naturalists.

The question is complicated by the circumstances of most individuals who have come under observation, either in a completely or partially domesticated state. Many are also descended from ancestors previously domesticated, a state that tends to produce a certain amount of variation from the original type. The four forms commonly distinguished by the inhabitants of South America are recognized as distinct species, though there are difficulties in defining their distinctive characteristics.

These are:

The llama and alpaca are only known in the domestic state and are variable in size and of many colors, often white, brown, or piebald. Some are grey or black. The guanaco and vicuña are wild. The guanaco is endangered; it has a nearly uniform light-brown color, passing into white below.

The guanaco and vicuña certainly differ: The vicuña is more petite, more slender in its proportions, and has a shorter head than the guanaco.

The vicuña lives in herds on the bleak and elevated parts of the mountain range bordering the region of perpetual snow, amidst rocks and precipices, occurring in various suitable localities throughout Peru, in the southern part of Ecuador, and as far south as the middle of Bolivia. Its manners very much resemble those of the chamois of the European Alps; it is as vigilant, wild, and timid.

Vicuña fiber is extremely delicate and soft and highly valued for weaving, but the quantity that each animal produces is small. Alpacas are primarily descended from wild vicuña ancestors. In contrast, domesticated llamas are descended primarily from wild guanaco ancestors, although a considerable amount of hybridization between the two species has occurred.

Differential characteristics between llamas and alpacas include the llama's larger size, longer head, and curved ears. Alpaca fiber is generally more expensive but not always more valuable. Alpacas tend to have a more consistent color throughout the body. The most apparent visual difference between llamas and camels is that camels have a humps and llamas do not.

Llamas are not ruminants, pseudo-ruminants, or modified ruminants. They do have a complex three-compartment stomach that allows them to digest lower quality, high cellulose foods. The stomach compartments allow for fermentation of tricky foodstuffs, followed by regurgitation and re-chewing. Ruminants (cows, sheep, goats) have four compartments, whereas llamas have only three stomach compartments: the rumen, omasum, and abomasum.

In addition, the llama (and other camelids) have an extremely long and complex large intestine (colon). The large intestine's role in digestion is to reabsorb water, vitamins, and electrolytes from food waste passing through it. The length of the llama's colon allows it to survive on much less water than other animals. This is a major advantage in arid climates where they live.

A herd of llamas grazing by the side of the road in the Bolivian Andes. The species is fully domesticated.

Reproduction

Dam and her cria at Laguna Colorada, Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa, Bolivia

Llamas have an unusual reproductive cycle for a large animal. Female llamas are induced ovulators. Through mating, the female releases an egg and is often fertilized on the first attempt. Female llamas do not go into estrus ("heat").

Like humans, llama males and females mature sexually at different rates. Females reach puberty at about 12 months old; males do not become sexually mature until around three years of age.

Mating

Llamas mate in a kush (lying down) position, similar to big cats and canines, which is unusual in a large animal. They mate for an extended time (20–45 minutes), also unusual in a large animal.

Gestation

The gestation period of a llama is 11.5 months (350 days). Dams (female llamas) do not lick off their babies, as they have an attached tongue that does not reach outside of the mouth more than 13 millimetres (1⁄2 inch). Rather, they will nuzzle and hum to their newborns.

Crias

A cria (from Spanish for "baby") is the name for a baby llama, alpaca, vicuña, or guanaco. Crias are typically born with all the herd's females gathering to protect against the male llamas and potential predators. Llamas give birth standing. Birth is usually quick and problem-free, over in less than 30 minutes. Most births occur between 8 am and noon, during the warmer daylight hours. This may increase cria survival by reducing fatalities due to hypothermia during cold Andean nights. This birthing pattern is considered a continuation of the birthing patterns observed in the wild. Their crias are up and standing, walking, and attempting to suckle within the first hour after birth. Crias are partially fed with llama milk that is lower in fat and salt and higher in phosphorus and calcium than cow or goat milk. A female llama will only produce about 60 millilitres (2 US fluid ounces) of milk at a time when she gives milk, so the cria must frequently suckle to receive the nutrients it requires.

Breeding methods

In harem mating, the male is left with females most of the year.

For field mating, a female is turned into a field with a male llama and left there for some time. This is the easiest method in terms of labor but the least useful in predicting a likely birth date. An ultrasound test can be performed, and together with the exposure dates, a better idea of when the cria is expected can be determined.

Hand mating is the most efficient method, but it requires the most work on the part of the human involved. A male and female llama are put into the same pen, and mating is monitored. They are then separated and re-mated every other day until one refuses the mating. Usually, one can get in two matings using this method, though some stud males routinely refuse to mate a female more than once. The separation presumably helps to keep the sperm count high for each mating and also helps to keep the condition of the female llama's reproductive tract more sound. If the mating is unsuccessful within two to three weeks, the female is mated again.

Nutrition

A black llama

Options for feeding llamas are quite wide; various commercial and farm-based feeds are available. The major determining factors include feed cost, availability, nutrient balance and energy density required. Young, actively growing llamas require a greater concentration of nutrients than mature animals because of their smaller digestive tract capacities.

Estimated daily requirements of bromegrass hay, alfalfa hay and corn silage on an as-fed and 100% dry matter basis for llamas from 22 to 550 pounds.
Body weight
(lb)
Bromegrass Alfalfa Corn silage
(as fed) (dry matter) (as fed) (dry matter) (as fed) (dry matter)
22 0.8 0.7 0.5 0.5 1.5 0.4
44 1.3 1.1 0.9 0.8 2.6 0.7
88 2.1 1.9 1.5 1.3 4.3 1.2
110 2.6 2.3 1.7 1.6 5.2 1.4
165 3.4 3.1 2.3 2.1 6.9 1.9
275 5.0 4.5 3.4 3.1 10.1 2.8
385 6.4 5.7 4.3 3.9 12.9 3.6
495 7.8 7.0 5.3 4.8 15.8 4.4
550 8.5 7.6 5.7 5.2 17.0 4.8

Behavior

A pack llama in the Rocky Mountain National Park

Llamas that are well-socialized and trained to halter and lead after weaning are very friendly and pleasant to be around. They are extremely curious, and most will approach people easily. However, llamas that are bottle-fed or over-socialized and over-handled as youth will become extremely difficult to handle when mature, when they will begin to treat humans as they treat each other, which is characterized by bouts of spitting, kicking and neck wrestling.

Llamas are now utilized as certified therapy animals in nursing homes and hospitals. Rojo the Llama, located in the Pacific Northwest was certified in 2008. The Mayo Clinic says animal-assisted therapy can reduce pain, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. This type of therapy is growing in popularity, and several organizations throughout the United States participate.

When correctly reared, llamas spitting at a human is a rare thing. Llamas are very social herd animals, however, and sometimes spit at each other to discipline lower-ranked llamas. A llama's social rank in a herd is never static. They can always move up or down the social ladder by picking small fights. This is usually done between males to see which will become dominant. Their fights are visually dramatic, characterized by spitting, ramming each other with their chests, neck wrestling, and kicking, mainly to knock the other off balance. The females are usually only seen spitting to control other herd members. One may determine how agitated the llama is by the materials in the spit. The more irritated the llama is, the further back into each of the three stomach compartments it will try to draw materials from for its spit.

While the social structure might constantly change, they live as a family and care for each other. If one notices a strange noise or feels threatened, an alarm call - a loud, shrill sound that rhythmically rises and falls - is sent out, and all others become alert. They will often hum to each other as a form of communication.

The llama's groaning noises or going "mwa" (/mwaʰ/) is often a sign of fear or anger. Unhappy or agitated llamas will lay their ears back, while ears being perked upwards is a sign of happiness or curiosity.

An "orgle" is the mating sound of a llama or alpaca, made by the sexually aroused male. The sound is reminiscent of gargling but with a more forceful, buzzing edge. Males begin the sound when they become aroused and continue throughout copulation.

Guard behavior

Main article: Guard llama
A llama guarding a flock of sheep at a farm in Massachusetts

Using llamas as livestock guards in North America began in the early 1980s, and some sheep producers have used llamas successfully since then. Some would even use them to guard their smaller cousins, the alpaca. They are used most commonly in the western regions of the United States, where larger predators, such as coyotes and feral dogs, are prevalent. Typically, a single gelding (castrated male) is used.

Research suggests using multiple guard llamas is not as effective as one. Multiple males tend to bond with one another rather than with the livestock and may ignore the flock. A gelded male of two years of age bonds closely with its new charges and is instinctively very effective in preventing predation. Some llamas bond more quickly to sheep or goats if introduced just before lambing. Many sheep and goat producers indicate a special bond quickly develops between lambs and their guard llama, and the llama is particularly protective of the lambs.

Using llamas as guards has reduced the losses to predators for many producers. The value of the livestock saved each year exceeds a llama's purchase cost and annual maintenance. Although not every llama is suited to the job, most are a viable, nonlethal alternative for reducing predation, requiring no training and little care.

Fiber

Llamas have a fine undercoat, which can be used for handicrafts and garments. The coarser outer guard hair is used for rugs, wall hangings, and lead ropes. The fiber comes in many colors, ranging from white or grey to reddish-brown, brown, dark brown, and black.

Handspun llama yarn from Patagonia
Average diameter of some of the finest, natural fibers
Animal Fiber diameter
(micrometres)
Vicuña 6–10
Alpaca (Suri) 10–15
Muskox (Qiviut) 11–13
Merino sheep 12–20
Angora rabbit (Angora wool) 13
Cashmere goat (Cashmere wool) 15–19
Yak (Yak fiber) 15–19
Camel (Camel hair) 16–25
Guanaco 16–18
Llama (Tapada) 20–30
Chinchilla 21
Angora goat (Mohair) 25–45
Huacaya alpaca 27.7
Llama (Ccara) 30–40

Medical uses

Doctors and researchers have determined that llamas possess antibodies that are well-suited to treat certain diseases. Scientists have been studying the way llamas might contribute to the fight against coronaviruses, including MERS and SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19).

History of domestication

Another Moche sculpture, dated to 100–300 AD (Early Intermediate Period) from the Lombards Museum
This sculpture, originating from the Chancay Valley and adjacent Chillón Drainage region (Late Intermediate Period), captures the llama's natural inquisitiveness. The Walters Art Museum.

Pre-Incan cultures

Scholar Alex Chepstow-Lusty has argued that the switch from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to widespread agriculture was only possible because of the use of llama dung as fertilizer.

The Moche people frequently placed llamas and their parts in the burials of important people as offerings or provisions for the afterlife. The Moche of pre-Columbian Peru depicted llamas quite realistically in their ceramics.

Inca Empire

In the Inca Empire, llamas were the only beasts of burden, and many of the people dominated by the Inca had long traditions of llama herding. For the Inca nobility, the llama was symbolic, and llama figures were often buried with the dead. In South America, llamas are still used as beasts of burden, as well as for the production of fiber and meat.

The Inca deity Urcuchillay was depicted in the form of a multicolored llama.

Carl Troll has argued that the large numbers of llamas found in the southern Peruvian highlands were an essential factor in the rise of the Inca Empire. It is worth considering the maximum extent of the Inca Empire roughly coincided with the most significant distribution of alpacas and llamas in Pre-Hispanic America. The link between the Andean biomes of puna and páramo, llama pastoralism and the Inca state is a matter of research.

Spanish Empire

The first image of llamas in Europe, 1553

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. Gregory de Bolivar estimated that in his day, as many as 300,000 were employed in the transport of produce from the Potosí mines alone, but since the introduction of horses, mules, and donkeys, the importance of the llama as a beast of burden has greatly diminished.

According to Juan Ignacio Molina, the Dutch captain Joris van Spilbergen observed the use of hueques (possibly a llama type) by native Mapuches of Mocha Island as plow animals in 1614.

In Chile hueque, populations declined towards extinction in the 16th and 17th century being replaced by European livestock. The causes of its extinction are not clear. However, it is known that the introduction of sheep caused some competition among both domestic species. Anecdotal evidence of the mid-17th century shows that both species coexisted and suggests that there were many more sheep than hueques. The decline of hueques reached a point in the late 18th century when only the Mapuche from Mariquina and Huequén next to Angol raised the animal.

United States

Llamas were first imported into the US in the late 1800s as zoo exhibits. Restrictions on importation of livestock from South America due to hoof and mouth disease, combined with lack of commercial interest, resulted in the number of llamas staying low until the late 20th century. In the 1970s, interest in llamas as livestock began to grow, and the number of llamas increased as farmers bred and produced an increasing number of animals. Both the price and number of llamas in the US climbed rapidly in the 1980s and 1990s. With little market for llama fiber or meat in the US and the value of guard llamas limited, the primary value in llamas was in breeding more animals, a classic sign of a speculative bubble in agriculture. By 2002, there were almost 145,000 llamas in the US, according to the US Department of Agriculture, and animals sold for as much as $220,000. However, the lack of any end market for the animals resulted in a crash in both llama prices and the number of llamas; the Great Recession further dried up investment capital, and the number of llamas in the US began to decline as fewer animals were bred and older animals died of old age. By 2017, the number of llamas in the US had dropped below 40,000. A similar speculative bubble was experienced with the closely related alpaca, which burst shortly after the llama bubble.

Culture

Being an important animal and long-standing cultural icon in South America, Llamas gained in recent history cultural prominence in Western culture.

For example, the videogame company Maxis has used Llamas extensively as elements in their games, particularly in the widely popular game series The Sims, Llamas being the national symbol of the country the broader series of Sim games are set in. The online video game Fortnite uses piñata llamas as loot containers, which contain various in-game resources. Also the programming language Perl with its so-called Llama book has been associated with Llamas.

See also

Notes

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