What Is An Alpaca?

We are also asked, “What is the difference between an alpaca and a llama?” and “Is that a llama?” which is said while pointing at our alpacas.

And these are very good questions! A few years ago we did not know the answers to any of these questions either.

But we are going to tell you all about alpacas so you will be more knowledgeable! When someone asks you "What is an alpaca?" , you will know just how to respond!

Alpacas used to be classified as exotic animals, but now they are considered to be genuine livestock – just like sheep, goats, and cows. This designation means that you can get a variety of tax benefits on your alpaca business, and have the ability obtain farm loans and alpaca insurance.

They are also ruminants (really pseudoruminants) meaning that they chew their cuds. Cinnamon is chewing her cud on the left.

However, it is interesting to note that they are also considered to be unclean animals according to the Bible because they do not have cloven (split) hooves. They have two toes which is not the same thing.

This means that we have Biblical justification not to eat these adorable animals!

By the way, clean animals which can be eaten according to the Bible have cloven hooves and chew their cuds.

Alpacas are members of the camelid family. This family contains the camels, alpaca, vicuna (VI-coo-nya), llama, and guanaco (wah-NAH-co). The latter four animals are also called South American camelids because – you guessed it! – South America is their native country.

Sometimes you will see lama to refer to all members of the camelid family. Nope! That is not a typo! Lama is spelled with just one “l”. However, not all camelids are lamas.

You see, Lama is the genus name for llamas and guanacos which are like siblings. (Remember your taxonomy from high school biology?) So, technically, lama refers to just these two animals.

Vicugna is the genus name for alpacas and vicunas which are also like siblings.

Thus, llamas and guanacos are like cousins to alpacas and vicunas. Both groups are like cousins to camels.

Llamas and alpacas are the domesticated South American camelids while the guanacos and vicunas are the wild South American camelids.

Here is a llama on the right.

Alpacas are smaller and have perky straight ears.

Unless you see them next to each other, it can be difficult to distinguish between them.

Here is the scientific taxonomy for alpacas (for those of you with really inquiring minds!).

• Domain – Eukarya
• Kingdom – Animalia
• Phylum – Chordata
• Class – Mammalia
• Order – Artiodactyla
• Family – Camelidae
• Genus – Vicugna
• Species – Alpaca

The suri (SER-ee) and the huacaya (wah-KI-ah) are the two breeds of alpacas. The huacaya looks like a cute teddy bear with thick cuddly fur. The suri has long silky dred locks.

Both breeds exhibit the typical alpaca behavior of the kush, the pronk, and the alpaca spit . Do not worry! They mostly spit at each other.

Did you know that alpacas are the ultimate green livestock since they are so eco-friendly! There are plenty of alpaca uses as well.

The alpaca history in South America with the Inca is absolutely amazing. And their natural alpaca habitat is so fascinating. We just love alpaca facts !

Now, you will never need to ask, “What is an alpaca?” again!

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