Llamas appear to have originated from the central plains of North America
several thousand years ago. They migrated to South America and Asia. By the
end of the last ice age. Camelids became extinct in North America As of 2007,
there were over 7 million llamas and alpacas in South America and, due to
importation from South America in the late 20th century, there are now over
100,000 llamas and 6,500–7,000 alpacas in the US and Canada.
Who are my relatives?
Early writers separated llamas from sheep in 1800 and listed them along with
the alpaca and the guanaco under the genus Vicugna. Lama are, with the two
species of true camels, the sole existing representatives of a very distinct
section of the animal kingdom.
How am I born?
Llamas mate with the female in a kush (lying down) position for an extended period of time (20–45
minutes), which is fairly unusual in a large animal. The gestation period of a llama is 11 ½ months
(350 days). Llamas give birth standing. Dams (female llamas) do not lick off their babies, as they have
an attached tongue which does not reach outside of the mouth more than half an inch, rather, they will
nuzzle and hum to their newborns. I am called a Cria when I am young.
How long does it take me to grow up and how long do I live
I am up and standing, walking and attempting to nurse within the first hour after birth. We mature at
12 to 24 months and live an average of 25 years. Full grown I will stand 5-6 feet.
What kind of family life do I
We are very social animals and like to live with other llamas in a herd.
What do I eat and when do I eat?
I graze on grass and alfalfa or you ca give me hay and grain.
Who are my predators?
In the wild, big cats are a danger to us ,but we are guard animals and help keep away things like
coyotes and dogs from the sheep we are guarding.
