Vicuña
The Vicuña Vicugna vicugna is a wild South American camelid native to the high alpine grasslands of the Andes Mountains. It is a graceful and slender animal, known for its long neck and fine, soft wool, which is the finest and most expensive wool in the world.
The Vicuña was once hunted to the brink of extinction for its valuable wool, but thanks to a global conservation effort, its populations have been slowly recovering.
The Vicuña is a highly social animal that lives in small family groups. Its diet consists of a wide variety of grasses and other plants. The Vicuña is a true symbol of successful conservation and a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting endangered species.
The Vicuña's graceful movements and its fine wool make it a beloved and important animal of the Andes.
Vicuña
Classification
Mammalia > Artiodactyla > Camelidae > Vicugna > V. vicugna
Native To
Conservation Status
Average Height
3 feet
(0.9 m)
Average Weight
90 - 140 lbs
(41 - 64 kg)
Average Life Span
15 - 20 years
Gestation Period
330 - 350 days
Did You Know?
The Vicuña is a wild South American camelid that lives in the high Andes mountains.
They are known for their incredibly fine wool, which is considered one of the softest and most luxurious natural fibers in the world.
Vicuñas are relatives of alpacas and llamas, but they are wild and cannot be domesticated.
Their wool is so valuable that it was once reserved for Inca royalty.
Vicuñas have a unique adaptation for high altitudes: their blood has a high concentration of red blood cells, allowing them to absorb more oxygen.
Photo Gallery
No images provided yet. Be the first to upload one!