Driving around the UK countryside, you may have noticed something slightly different nestled amongst the usual cows, sheep and other farm animals – long-necked, woolly creatures with shaggy coats and large, mournful eyes. Indeed, llamas and alpacas are remarkably popular, versatile field pets, also used for fleece production and livestock protection. There are currently between around 2,000 and 4,000 llamas in the UK and roughly 45,000 registered alpacas, making them easy to spot in and around rural areas. Read on if you want to learn more about these charming animals. 

Native Habitat

Llamas are a species of domesticated camelid, along with camels, alpacas and vicuñas; however, they are believed to be closely related to the guanaco, a wild species native to South America. Although llamas have been used for their meat and as beasts of burden among Andean cultures since the Pre-Columbian era, they have now been domesticated worldwide. Similarly, the alpaca has been equally prized as a source of high-quality fibre for over 5,000 years. Eighty per cent of the current global alpaca population resides in the Peruvian Andes highlands, a diverse landscape known for its snow-capped peaks and spectacular hiking trails.

Due to their hereditary roots, both llamas and alpacas have developed warm, thick coats and can withstand sub-zero temperatures as low as -31°C during the winter months, as well as soaring summertime temperatures of up to 40°C. During the warmer months, llamas and alpacas will seek out water sources to keep cool and use their coarse coats as a form of sun protection. 

Differences and Similarities

While these creatures may have many similarities, they often get lumped together into the same category when in fact, there are many differences that set them apart. For example, although both llamas and alpacas have long, shaggy coats, the llama’s coat is far more coarse in comparison to the alpaca’s soft, fine hair. The most noticeable difference between the two is size; alpacas generally weigh in at around 150 lbs, whereas llamas can weigh as much as 400 lbs. The final most significant difference is temperament – llamas are notoriously bold, independent and have a tendency to spit. While alpacas have also been known to exhibit spitting behaviours, they are generally more timid and aloof pack animals. 

Fleece Production 

Soft, luxurious pure alpaca wool – known as ‘The Fibre of the Gods’ – was primarily reserved for royalty, whereas lesser-quality blends of alpaca wool, llama wool and cotton were worn by lower-class citizens. To this day, alpaca knitwear is considered a luxury. Both llamas and alpacas produce wool; however, due to its coarseness, llama wool is far less sought after than soft, silky alpaca fibre. Alpacas were first domesticated in South America 6,000 years ago and were a vital part of Incan culture. As stated in this article, the Incas did not use what we now consider traditional farm animals as sources of food, clothing and cargo transport. 

Livestock Protection

Due to what many would describe as their unmitigated effrontery, llamas have been used as a method of livestock protection for thousands of years. These bouncers of the animal kingdom, known as guard llamas, are commonly used by farmers worldwide to protect vulnerable farm animals against foxes, wolves, coyotes and other predators. 

The eyes of llamas and alpacas are on the side of their heads, indicating that they are indeed prey animals. However, llamas use their fearlessness and natural aggression to chase away predators, simultaneously altering the farmer to the disturbance. Studies and polls have shown that farmers generally find this livestock protection method remarkably effective. 

What You Need To Keep A Llama Or Alpaca

Whether or not you’re responsible for the protection of farm animals, llamas and alpacas can be profoundly loyal and worthwhile companions. Llamas and alpacas are considered domestic livestock; therefore, you don’t need a licence to keep them. That said, the right conditions are vital for maintaining happy, healthy camelids. These highly social creatures should never be kept solitary and require plenty of open space to run, graze and interact with one another. Ensure you supply your companions with daily fresh water, supplementary food with vitamins and minerals, and regular medical checkups.