Llama

= Llamas = Llamas are camel-like animals found only in western South America. A fully grown Llama reaches heights of up to 5 feet 10 inches and a weight of 450 pounds. They also only live to about 15 to 25 years, with the exception of a few who have lived over the age of 30. Llamas, like the aforementioned camel, is a pack animal primarily used to carry goods. While traveling they can carry about ⅓ of their weight for up to to 8 miles. They are classified as Lamoids within the Camelidae family and are related to the Vicuña (the national animal of Peru), the Guanaco, and the Alpaca; but they have no known sub-species. Because Llama live in and around Peru exclusively they are exposed to very mountainous regions. They have adapted, becoming "bump-footed” in order to deal with the terrain as opposed to the Camel who has flat feet for the deserts. Llamas have an average gestation period of 11 ½ months. Since Llamas live in packs they never separate from their parents until they or their parents die. Daily life from a cria (baby Llama) to an adult does not change much. They primarily travel to find food, water, and to mate. Llamas are herbivores and have troublesome predators like the Mountain Lion, Snow Leopard, and Cougars to deal with. However they have been known to be good livestock guards, especially for sheep in farms where ravenous wolf-like animals are present. Even with these predators, Llamas are at a "least concern level" on The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

By: Aidan Soprych