Alpaca
language:

. start
. breeding
  alpaca
  behavior
  spitting
  physical cont.
  hygiene
  sounds
  reproduction
  fiber
. who is who
  elvis
  nero
  inca
  valerie
. mail/contact



The Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) is a domesticated breed of South American camel-like ungulates, derived from the wild vicun~a. It resembles a sheep in appearance, but is larger and has a long erect neck.

Alpacas are kept in herds that graze on the level heights of the Andes of southern Peru, northern Bolivia, and northern Chile at an altitude of 3500 to 5000 meters above sea-level, throughout the year. Alpacas are considerably smaller than llamas and unlike them are not used as beasts of burden but are valued only for their fiber (wool), used for making blankets and ponchos in South America, and sweaters, blankets, socks and coats in other parts of the world. The fiber comes in more than 22 natural colours.

In the textile industry, "alpaca" primarily refers to the hair of Peruvian alpaca, but more broadly it refers to a style of fabric originally made from alpaca hair but now often made from similar fibers, such as mohair, Icelandic sheep wool, or even high-quality English wool. In trade, distinctions are made between alpacas and the several styles of mohair and lustre. However, as far as the general purchaser is concerned, little-or-no distinction is made.

Alpaca's breeding farm...