Llamas are part of the camelid family, that also has in them camels.
These were formerly found in North America, in the Central Flatlands,
almost ten million years back. These were the precursors of the llama,
facts state, and never the same animals that we know today. They
migrated into the place that has become South America about two and a
half million years ago, while their camel cousins moved to the Center
East, and other areas. The camelid family became extinct in North USA
about twelve thousand years ago.
Llamas were at first domesticated in Peru about 6 thousand years back,
and they are one of the first animals domesticated of those that are
still around today. They were used mainly for carrying and trucking,
nevertheless the folks of that day also killed them. They ate the meat,
used the manure for fuel and the skins to make shelters. They even used
to sacrifice them to their lords of those times.
Right now there are about seven million alpacas and llamas in South
America today, per estimates. In Canada and the United States, there are
about 7 thousand alpacas, sixty-five thousand llamas and 2 hundred
guanacos. The llama, facts confirm, may be found lots of places
worldwide, even as far away from their point of origin as New Zealand.
There, they use the llama wool for their fiber industry. The llama is
still essentialto the practice of agriculture farming in Peru, Chile,
Bolivia plus Argentina. In North USA, too, the alpaca and pasión are
part of our agricultural livelihood.
Llamas live from fifteen to about twenty-nine years approximately. They
will weigh between two hundred and four-hundred fifty pounds. They will
stand about 3 to four feet at their shoulder. Llamas may be found in
colors that are spotted or solid, and in various unique patterns. Their
very own wool color may range from roan, red, brown, beige, gray, and
dark-colored to white.
Female llamas can be bred for the first time when 16 months to two years
old. They do not go into heat in cycles, so they can be bred at any
time of the given year. The feminine llama, facts say, offers her young
while the female is standing up, and she normally does not require any
help. The young one is called a cria. Most llamas give birth in the day
time, and twins happen only rarely. The newborn cria usually weighs
between 20 or so and thirty-five pounds, and they are usually nursing
within ninety minutes of birth. The child is usually weaned from its
mother at about 4 to 6 months of age.
Resource Websites:
How to raise llama review
How to raise llama by Gerard Dawn
How to raise llamas
What to know about the llama