The Vicuña is one of the two wild South American camelids that live in the high alpine areas of the Andes, with the other species being the Guanaco. The Vicuña is highly prized for its fine coat, which can only be shone every three years. The fine fibers of their coat have been desired since Incan times, when garments made from Vicuña wool were reserved for royalty only. The Vicuña is the national animal of Peru and is protected by conservationists after a brief stint on the endangered animals list in 1974. Despite being previously considered distinct from the Alpaca and the Llama, recent DNA research has revealed potential wild Vicuña parentage in domesticated Alpaca.
The average Vicuña has an overall height of 49"-52" (124-132 cm), withers height of 34"-36" (86-90 cm), and body length of 60"-72" (152-183 cm). A typical Vicuña weighs between 77-144 lb (35-65 kg) and has a lifespan of roughly 20-24 years.
The Vicuña is one of the two wild South American camelids that live in the high alpine areas of the Andes, with the other species being the Guanaco. The Vicuña is highly prized for its fine coat, which can only be shone every three years. The fine fibers of their coat have been desired since Incan times, when garments made from Vicuña wool were reserved for royalty only. The Vicuña is the national animal of Peru and is protected by conservationists after a brief stint on the endangered animals list in 1974. Despite being previously considered distinct from the Alpaca and the Llama, recent DNA research has revealed potential wild Vicuña parentage in domesticated Alpaca.
The average Vicuña has an overall height of 49"-52" (124-132 cm), withers height of 34"-36" (86-90 cm), and body length of 60"-72" (152-183 cm). A typical Vicuña weighs between 77-144 lb (35-65 kg) and has a lifespan of roughly 20-24 years.