Anteriormente, en un artículo comentamos los tipos de camellos que existen en la actualidad, los cuales habitan en las In a previous article, we explored the different types of camels found today in the arid plains of Asia and Africa. But the Camelidae family is bigger than that — and today, we’re meeting its South American branch: the Lamini.
🐪 Who Are the Lamini?
The Lamini, also known as auquenids, are part of the camelid family. This group includes two genera — Lama and Vicugna — and is made up of four species found only in South America, all living in high-altitude regions:
- Two wild species: Guanaco and Vicuña
- Two domestic species: Llama and Alpaca
Interestingly, these species can interbreed and produce healthy offspring.
🔍 How Lamini Differ from Camels
Lamini are characterised by their long, slender necks, a feature that gives them their Greek-derived name “auquenid” (αὐχήν meaning “neck”).
They also have a unique digestive system that allows them to consume and process certain plant toxins that other animals can’t tolerate.
Another key difference is the lack of sexual dimorphism — males and females look almost identical, and can only be distinguished by examining their reproductive organs.
🦙 The Four Lamini Species
Guanaco (Wild)
Originating in the Andes mountains, the guanaco has brown or reddish-brown fur with a white underside, a grey face, and small, upright ears.
Fun fact: In Chile, guanacos can be legally hunted for food.
Population: 400,000–600,000
Height: 1.0–1.2 m
Weight: 90–120 kg
Vicuña (Wild)
Also native to the high Andes, the vicuña produces the finest and softest wool in the camelid family — harvested only once every three years. In Inca times, only royalty could wear vicuña garments.
National symbol: Peru’s national animal
Population: Around 350,000 (thanks to conservation efforts)
Height: 1.4–1.6 m
Weight: 40–65 kg
Llama (Domestic)
Domesticated for centuries, llamas originated in the plains of North America before becoming a staple pack animal in South America. Their coats can be white, black, grey, or brown, and they have long necks, short curved tails, and large ears.
Uses: Pack animal, wool production
Population: ~7 million (most abundant lamini species)
Height: 1.7–1.8 m
Weight: 120–200 kg
Alpaca (Domestic)
Smaller than llamas, alpacas are prized for their incredibly soft fleece, available in over 32 colours according to Peruvian sources. They thrive at extreme altitudes, where their wool is used to make hats, gloves, scarves, sweaters, blankets, and shawls.
Weight: 45–85 kg
Population: Highly domesticated, millions worldwide
Height: 0.8–1.0 m
🌎 The Lamini – High-Altitude Specialists
From the windswept peaks of the Andes to the grassy highlands, lamini have adapted perfectly to their environments. Whether wild or domesticated, they remain an essential part of South American culture, history, and economy.
