Vicuna
These are shy, skittish animals, with acute hearing and they are quick to detect and flee from intruders on their territory. They are much sought after for their coats which are made up of fine camel coloured hair on the back, turning to white on the throat area, chest and underparts. The soft fur is long and seems quite thin on first appearance, but it is structured in such away that the insulated layers of hair trap warm air close to the animal’s body, enabling it to fend off the cold in the Andean mountain ranges, where temperatures can plummet to below zero.
What they eat
Mainly grasses.
They will drink saltwater and also often lick calcareous salt-rich rocks.
How long they live
About 20 years.
Biology
Vicunas live in territorial groups, usually consisting of a male and up to 15 females. Males who do not have their own ‘family’ group of females will often roam together in bachelor groups. The breeding season is generally early spring and females give birth to a single offspring after a pregnancy of 11 months. Young vicunas quickly become independent, standing alone within a day and only being closely nursed by the mother for just over a week.
Vicunas are semi-ruminants and have three stomachs.
Did you know?
According to ancient myth, the Vicuna is the reincarnation of a young maiden who was given a golden coat on condition she gave in to the advances of an elderly king who was infatuated with her. The tale is said to be the reason why it was once unlawful for anyone other than Inca royalty to wear a Vicuna fleece.
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Species Profile
Common name
Vicuna
Scientific name
Vicugna vicugna
Animal group/type
Mammal - camel
Where they live
South America
Habitat
Grasslands and plains in alpine regions of the Andes mountains
Size
Length: Up to 1.6m
Shoulder Height: Up to 85cm
Weight
35-65kg
Conservation status (IUCN Red List)
Conservation Dependant
Threats
Poaching for their fine fur which produces the warmest wool of any animal. In 1974 they were listed as endangered due to the high level of poaching for their expensive fur. Now officially protected by South American governments, their numbers have recovered enough for their conservation status to be downgraded.
Habitat loss due to development.