The alpaca (Vicugna pacos) is a domesticated South American camelid belonging to the family Camelidae, which also includes llamas, guanacos, vicuñas, camels, and dromedaries. Native to the Andean highlands of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, and north‑western Argentina, alpacas thrive at elevations of 3,500–5,000 m where temperatures can swing from below freezing to 20 °C. They prefer open grasslands, shrub‑steppe, and high‑altitude pasture, often grazing on tussock grasses, herbs, and low‑lying shrubs. Alpacas were first domesticated about 6,000 years ago by pre‑Inca peoples for their fine fiber, which is softer and warmer than wool. Today, over 3.5 million alpacas are raised worldwide, the majority in Peru, which accounts for roughly 80 % of global production. The species is listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, but wild ancestors (the vicuña) faced severe declines due to over‑hunting. Conservation programs now protect both the domesticated and wild forms, emphasizing sustainable fiber harvesting and habitat preservation.

Alpacas are highly social herd animals that organize into family groups called “crias” (offspring) and “herds” led by a dominant male or a matriarchal female. Daily activity peaks at dawn and dusk; they are crepuscular grazers that spend 6–8 hours each day foraging and the remainder resting in shade. Territorial ranges are small, typically 1–2 km², because abundant high‑altitude pasture provides sufficient resources. Communication relies on a repertoire of vocalizations, body postures, and the distinctive humming sound used to signal contentment, alarm, or to maintain group cohesion. Ear position, tail flicking, and facial expressions also convey social status, while males may engage in brief chest‑bumping contests during the breeding season to establish hierarchy.

Alpacas are strict herbivores that browse and graze on a variety of high‑altitude vegetation. Their diet consists primarily of C3 grasses, sedges, and forbs, supplemented with shrubs such as Baccharis and Asteraceae species. An adult consumes 2–3 % of its body weight in dry matter daily, equating to roughly 1.2–2.0 kg of forage. They possess a three‑chambered stomach that ferments cellulose via microbial symbionts, allowing efficient extraction of nutrients from low‑quality forage. Alpacas require a constant supply of clean water, typically 5–10 L per day, and benefit from mineral blocks containing calcium, phosphorus, and trace elements. In managed settings, they are often fed alfalfa hay, oat straw, and a balanced concentrate to support fiber production.

Alpacas reach sexual maturity at 12–24 months for females and 18–30 months for males, though optimal breeding occurs when females are 2–4 years old. The breeding season is seasonal, usually occurring in the Southern Hemisphere’s spring (September–November), when daylight length stimulates hormone production. Gestation lasts 335–340 days, resulting in a single cria in 95 % of pregnancies; twins are rare (<1 %). At birth, crias weigh 6–9 kg and can stand within an hour. The dam nurses for 6–8 months, providing colostrum rich in antibodies. Weaning typically occurs at 4–6 months, after which the cria joins the herd and learns grazing and social cues from older members.

The IUCN classifies the alpaca as Least Concern, reflecting its large domesticated population, but the species faces several pressures. Habitat loss from agricultural expansion and mining reduces the quality of high‑altitude pastures, while climate change threatens the fragile Andean ecosystems with altered precipitation patterns. Over‑grazing can lead to soil erosion, decreasing forage availability. Although domesticated alpacas are not hunted, their wild relatives, especially the vicuña (Vicugna vicugna), have suffered from poaching for prized fiber, prompting CITES protection. Conservation initiatives in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador focus on sustainable grazing management, community‑based breeding programs, and genetic monitoring to maintain herd health and prevent inbreeding. Current estimates place the global alpaca population at 3.5–4 million, with a stable or modestly increasing trend under responsible husbandry.

• Alpacas can hum to express curiosity, contentment, or alarm, and each individual has a unique humming pattern.
• Their fiber contains no lanolin, making it hypoallergenic and highly prized for luxury textiles.
• Unlike llamas, alpacas lack a true “spit” defense; they may cough or lower their heads to deter predators.
• The average heart rate of an alpaca is 70–80 beats per minute, slower than most domestic livestock.
• Alpacas have a double‑layered eyelid, protecting their eyes from high‑altitude UV radiation.