Special+Adaptations+and+Characteristics

While researching these unique animals I found a few special adaptations and characteristics of these AMAZING ALPACAS.

The alpaca is a very intelligent, durable and gentle-natured animal. There are two distinct types of alpacas: the Suri alpaca and the Huacaya alpaca. Alpaca fleece comes in a variety of over twenty natural colors. The Huacaya alpacas are recognized by their woolly appearance, yet the fleece of a Huacaya alpaca tends to stand straight away from the alpaca's hide. The Suri alpaca fleece hangs from the alpaca in long, tight, curly locks. Suri alpacas are known for the high luster and quality of their fleece.

Alpacas bear one offspring (known as a cria) every year. Gestation is approximately 11 months and it would be rare that they would have multiple births. Female alpacas will begin breeding between one and two years of age. Male alpacas become capable of reproducing at two to three years of age. The alpacas can weigh anywhere from 120 - 160 pounds while standing approximately 36 inches tall at the withers. The digestive system of the alpacas are very efficient and can survive on limited amounts of food and water. The alpacas can be raised easily in larger herds because of theses tendencies. A herd will tend to create a "clean" community to reside in making manure piles minimizing parasite problems and allowing for easy clean-up for the owner. The alpaca has unique feet which are padded which minimizes any damage to the grounds on which they reside.

The alpacas are very easy going and intelligent animals which are easy to train. They are independently quite curious and inquisitive. It has been found that children and alpacas seem to have a natural attraction for each other which has led to some families owning alpacas as a family pet!

Source: Davis, Jan. (2004). //Derwydd Alpacas//. //Alpacanation.com//. Retrieved 30 July, 2008, from http://www.derwyddalpacas.com.

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