About Alpacas
What is an alpaca?
Alpacas are members of the camelid (camel) family, and are related to the llama, guanaco, and vicuna. The alpaca has been domesticated for over 6,000 years & has been bred primarily for its wonderful fine fibre. Camelids are a modified ruminant, not only eating less grass than most other animals but converting it to energy very efficiently.
Alpacas on average weigh about 50kg – 80kg. In New Zealand alpacas live approximately 18 – 22 years and stand about 1 metre tall at the shoulder.
There are two types of alpaca, the huacaya and the suri. The huacaya makes up about 95% of the world’s population with the fibre growing out at right angles to the body giving it the fluffy or ‘teddy bear’ look. The fibre does not contain lanolin or oils but still should have lustre or sheen & display good crimp & lock structure.
The World population of suris is estimated at 3% of the alpaca population, however in New Zealand suri make up 10%. The fibre on the suri falls in long pencil locks or dreadlocks from the centre of the alpacas back & is highly lustrous and silky.
Huacaya alpaca
Suri alpacas
Alpacas are native to South America, in particular Peru, Chile & Bolivia & were treasured by the ancient Inca civilization.
Coming from an area known as the AltiPlano, it is a high altitude plateau area around 14,000ft above sea level. As a result they are used to high UV rays, very cold nights and hot days.
They are now farmed successfully all over the world. They are extremely hardy and adaptable animals. But they are still a rare animal – in New Zealand we only have about 18,000 alpacas (2011) so the potential for steadily increasing the number of quality alpacas means they have a viable future both in New Zealand & worldwide.
Differences between Alpaca and Llama
Llamas are “beasts of burden”. They are used for carrying loads on their backs in special packs, like the Dromedary & Bactrian camel. Although not seen as a fibre producer, llama fibre is used a lot in South America.
The llama has a larger bone structure and can weigh up to 180kg. They also have banana shaped ears quite different from the alpaca’s spear tip shaped ear.
Alpaca in New Zealand
Alpaca were first imported to New Zealand in the late 1980s from Chile. This was followed by imports from Peru, boosting the population & improving the quality of stock.
Today, alpaca are traded around the world, coming to New Zealand from Australia & the USA and exported to Asia and Europe. The quality of alpaca here, advanced breeding & farming systems used, along with disease free status & the biosecurity reputation of New Zealand plays a big part in making New Zealand an important player in the international alpaca market.