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A typical inhabitant of the Andes, the South American camelid
has for the past 6,000 years served as a source of food, clothing
and as a beast of burden for Peruvians. Moreover, the animal
is a quintessential part of the personality of the highlands,
and has wielded a major influence on the serene and contemplative
idiosyncrasy of its tamers.
Over the centuries, various Andean cultures have crafted images
of llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicuñas, from the
cave paintings of Toquepala, depicting hunting scenes, to
the more sophisticated Inca pottery. These animals have also
formed part of countless ritual ceremonies, whether as sacrificial
victims or as companions to their overlords in their tombs.
Their origins, however, stem from distant-lands: it is believed
that millions of years ago the camelid family inhabited what
is now North America. Apparently at some point a group emigrated
to Alaska and then over to Siberia, giving rise to the present-day
Indo-European camel. Another group then emigrated south, discovering
an ideal habitat in the central Andes.
Each
of the four species of Andean camelid -whose identical number
of chromosomes makes it possible to cross the species- has
developed its own characteristics.
The llama, the strongest and appreciated as a pack animal
(which can carry up to 60 kg), stands around 1.90 meters
tall and comes in a variety of up to 50 colors.
The alpaca, whose fiber is popular in the textile industry,
stands 1.50 meters tall. Its meat is also being promoted
in the foodstuffs processing industry.
The vicuña, which is smaller (barely 1.30 meters
tall) and runs wild, features extremely fine fur which is
in such demand that poachers have driven it to the verge
of extinction. Today, the animal is protected by the Peruvian
State.
Finally, the guanaco is the wildest of the Andean camelids,
standing around 1.80 meters tall. It is also found in the
highlands of Argentina and Chile. |
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