Llama

The llama is a large mammal that lives in South America. It belongs to a group of animals called camelids, which also includes alpacas, camels, and vicuñas. A mammal is an animal that has fur or hair and feeds milk to its young. Llamas were first domesticated, or tamed by humans, thousands of years ago in the Andes Mountains.

Llamas are well adapted to life in high mountains. The Andes have thin air and cold temperatures. Thin air means there is less oxygen. Llamas have strong lungs and blood that helps them breathe more easily at high elevations. They have thick fur that protects them from cold weather. Their padded feet help them walk on rocky ground without slipping.

An adult llama is usually about 1.7 to 1.8 meters tall from head to ground. It can weigh between 130 and 200 kilograms. Llamas have long necks, long legs, and curved ears that look like bananas. Their fur can be white, brown, black, gray, or mixed colors. Llamas are herbivores, which means they eat plants. They feed on grass, leaves, and other vegetation.

For many centuries, llamas were important to people in the Andes. Civilizations such as the Inca Empire used llamas as pack animals. A pack animal is an animal trained to carry loads. Llamas carried food, tools, and other goods along mountain roads. They were also a source of meat and fiber. Fiber is material used to make cloth. Llama wool was used to make clothing, blankets, and ropes.

Llamas are social animals. They usually live in groups with other llamas. They communicate using sounds, body movements, and ear positions. When a llama feels threatened or angry, it may spit. Spitting is a behavior used to warn others. It is more common between llamas than toward humans. Llamas can also hum softly to communicate with each other.

Today, llamas are still raised in South America and in other parts of the world. They are kept on farms and ranches. Some are used to guard sheep, because they can warn of danger. Others are kept for their wool or for carrying loads on hiking trails. Llamas remain closely connected to the landscapes and cultures of the Andes.