Quick answer
Alpacas are small domesticated camelids prized for soft, hypoallergenic fleece that comes in 22 natural colours. Native to the Andean highlands, they weigh 55–90 kg (120–200 lb), live in social herds, and communicate with soft hums, clucks, and alarm calls.
Top questions about the Alpaca
Alpaca facts at a glance
- Weight 70 kg
- Length 1.4 m
- Top speed 35 km/h
- Lifespan 20 years
| Scientific name | Vicugna pacos |
|---|---|
| Diet | Herbivore — grass, hay, and mineral supplement |
| Habitat | Andean highlands above 3,500 m; farms worldwide |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years with good care |
| Weight | 55–90 kg (120–200 lb) |
| Top speed | Up to 35 km/h (22 mph) when fleeing |
| Conservation status | Domesticated (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Family | Camelidae |
| Genus | Vicugna |
Where it lives
The alpaca (Vicugna pacos) is native to Domesticated in the central Andes above 3,500 m in Peru, Bolivia, and Chile; raised on farms across the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. — recorded across South America in this guide’s range summary.
For occurrence records, see GBIF species search and sources below.
How big is a alpaca?
An adult alpaca measures 1.4 m long — about 81% of the height of an average adult person (1.73 m) — and weighs around 70 kg, about 1.0× an average adult’s body weight (70 kg).
Length vs an average adult’s height (to scale)
What is a group of alpacas called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Alpacas is called a herd.
Baby name
A baby Alpaca is called a cria.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Fleece and shearing
Alpaca fibre is fine, warm, and lacks the lanolin found in sheep wool, making it popular for hypoallergenic textiles. Animals are shorn annually, yielding several kilograms of fleece. Huacaya alpacas have crimped, fluffy fleece; Suri alpacas have silky, dreadlock-like locks.
Andean heritage
Alpacas were domesticated from the wild vicuña thousands of years ago in the central Andes. Traditional herding communities still manage alpaca flocks for fibre and meat at altitudes where other livestock struggle.
Keeping alpacas
Alpacas need secure fencing, parasite management, hoof trimming, and shelter from extreme heat. They use a communal dung pile, which simplifies pasture management. They are livestock rather than house pets and suit owners with land and herd-management experience.
Dig deeper into the Alpaca
- Alpaca: Key Facts
Alpacas are small domesticated camelids prized for soft, hypoallergenic fleece that comes in 22 natural colours.
- How Fast Is An Alpaca?
Alpaca top speed is up to about 35 km/h (22 mph) when fleeing. Sprint vs endurance and what limits pace.
- How Long Do Alpacas Live?
Alpaca lifespan is typically 15–20 years with good care. What shortens or extends life, life stages, and status (Domesticated).
- What Do Alpacas Eat?
What alpacas eat: Herbivore — grass, hay, and mineral supplement, foraging style, and seasonal shifts in Andean highlands above 3,500 m; farms worldwide.
- Where Do Alpacas Live?
Where alpacas live: Andean highlands above 3,500 m; farms worldwide, native range cues, and human overlap. Status Domesticated.
Explore the Alpaca
Compare
Range & geography
Did you know? Alpaca facts
- Alpacas are small domesticated camelids prized for soft, hypoallergenic fleece that comes in 22 natural colours.
- They are gentle livestock suited to small farms, not indoor pets. They need pasture, companions, and routine veterinary and hoof care.
- Alpacas are smaller and bred for fibre; llamas are larger pack animals. Alpacas have shorter faces and finer fleece.
- Once a year, typically in spring before hot weather. Each shearing yields roughly 2–5 kg of fleece depending on the animal.
- Yes, mainly at each other during disputes. Well-handled alpacas rarely spit at people unless stressed or mishandled.
- Conservation: Domesticated (IUCN).
Diet & feeding
Alpaca feeds primarily as a herbivore — grass, hay, and mineral supplement. Alpacas were domesticated from the wild vicuña thousands of years ago in the central Andes. Traditional herding communities still manage alpaca flocks for fibre and meat at altitudes where other livestock struggle.
Adaptations
- Alpaca fibre is fine, warm, and lacks the lanolin found in sheep wool, making it popular for hypoallergenic textiles. Animals are shorn annually, yielding several kilograms of fleece. Huacaya alpacas have crimped, fluffy fleece; Suri alpacas have silky, dreadlock-like locks.
- Alpacas are deeply social and should never be kept alone — a solitary alpaca becomes stressed and vulnerable. Herds establish a clear pecking order through posturing and occasional spitting. Females usually bear a single cria after an 11-month gestation.
Behaviour & ecology
- Alpaca fibre is fine, warm, and lacks the lanolin found in sheep wool, making it popular for hypoallergenic textiles. Animals are shorn annually, yielding several kilograms of fleece. Huacaya alpacas have crimped, fluffy fleece; Suri alpacas have silky, dreadlock-like locks.
- Alpacas are deeply social and should never be kept alone — a solitary alpaca becomes stressed and vulnerable. Herds establish a clear pecking order through posturing and occasional spitting. Females usually bear a single cria after an 11-month gestation.
- Alpacas were domesticated from the wild vicuña thousands of years ago in the central Andes. Traditional herding communities still manage alpaca flocks for fibre and meat at altitudes where other livestock struggle.
Communication
- Alpaca uses scent, posture, and vocal signals to mark territory and coordinate social behaviour.
- Communication intensity often peaks during breeding seasons and territorial disputes.
Habitat & range
Andean highlands above 3,500 m; farms worldwide
Ecological role
Alpaca shapes vegetation through grazing or browsing and serves as prey for larger predators where ranges overlap.
Conservation status of the Alpaca
The alpaca (Vicugna pacos) is listed as Domesticated on the IUCN Red List. Domesticated animals are species kept and selectively bred by humans over many generations, such as dogs, cats, and livestock. They are not assessed for extinction risk in the wild by the IUCN, because their populations are managed by people rather than subject to natural pressures.
The alpaca (Vicugna pacos) is assessed on the IUCN Red List. Look up on the IUCN Red List .
Frequently asked questions about the Alpaca
Are alpacas good pets?
They are gentle livestock suited to small farms, not indoor pets. They need pasture, companions, and routine veterinary and hoof care.
Alpaca vs llama?
Alpacas are smaller and bred for fibre; llamas are larger pack animals. Alpacas have shorter faces and finer fleece.
How often are alpacas shorn?
Once a year, typically in spring before hot weather. Each shearing yields roughly 2–5 kg of fleece depending on the animal.
Do alpacas spit?
Yes, mainly at each other during disputes. Well-handled alpacas rarely spit at people unless stressed or mishandled.
How long do alpacas live?
Typically 15–20 years, sometimes longer with excellent nutrition and parasite control.
What is a group of alpacas called?
A group of Alpacas is called a herd.
What is a baby alpaca called?
A baby Alpaca is called a cria.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Alpaca:
-
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Domesticated) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Vicugna pacos.
-
iNaturalist — observations & photos
Search citizen-science observations and community IDs for Vicugna pacos. Useful for range checks and recent sightings — not a substitute for formal Red List status.
-
GBIF — occurrence data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility species search for Vicugna pacos. Explore published occurrence records used in range research.
- IUCN Red List — Vicugna pacos.
Conservation status (Domesticated) and population trends.
- Animal Diversity Web — Vicugna pacos. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
Life history, morphology, and range.
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