The Guanaco
The guanaco is very similar to the llama. The main difference is that the llama is domesticated and the guanaco is usually wild, with herds being ideal for grazing large parklands. Like the llama, the guanaco has a thick layer of fluffy hair and a soft undercoat of hair that is almost as soft as the vicuna.
The guanaco takes after its cousin with its grey head, small, perky ears, and large brown eyes. They are very graceful animals as well, with their streamlined form and quick-footed gait. Their lifespan usually 20 -25 years, the guanaco has thicker skin on their necks for protection against fights between males. The hair on the back is a distinctive reddish-brown and almost white on the underside. An adult reaches about seven feet long, three to four feet high at the shoulders, and weighs around 160 pounds.
Guanacos can be found in the antiplano regions of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, and even as far south as Patagonia. In fact, the Isla Grande in the Tierra del Fuego currently has an over population of the animal. The guanaco is still considered endangered, however, with their pre-Spanish numbers at an estimated half a billion now cut down to 500,000.
The key to their survival in the open plains is their ability to run fast. Since they have nowhere to hide, they have a good chance of outrunning predators at a speed of 35 miles per hour. They are a very social animal and travel in small herds of females, males, and young of various ages. If danger is suspected the male will warn the group with a bleating noise and follow the pack from behind.
The relationship between the alcunas, vicunas, and llamas is not entirely clear but it is believed that the crossbreeding of the vicunas and guanacos resulted in the domesticated alpacas and llamas of today. In Peru these tawny-haired creatures can be found grazing throughout the Peruvian highlands.
Get the most from your Peru Vacation.
Let the travel professionals at AR Tourism arrange the perfect vacation for you, while saving you money and eliminating the inconvenience of handling overseas arrangements.
AR Tourism Peru - Peru Vacation Travel Agency
