In the Ental Valley in Switzerland, about 70 alpacas returned from the mountains to the valley after the end of the summer season. During the summer, these animals grazed on the high pastures of the Bernese Alps. Alpacas are valued for their soft wool, calm temperament, and dense fleece.
The descent of these animals from the mountains was a special sight for people. Alpacas are domestic animals that inhabit the Andes in South America. Their scientific name is Vicugna pacos, and they belong to the camelid family, which also includes llamas, guanacos, and vicuñas.
It is believed that the inhabitants of the Andes began breeding alpacas thousands of years ago. Today, their population remains significant in South America.
The alpaca's body is slender, with a long neck and legs, and pointed ears. The entire body is covered with a dense coat of hair. The average weight of an adult alpaca is usually between 45 and 90 kilograms, and the height at the shoulder reaches approximately 80–110 centimeters. They have soft pads under their feet, which help minimize damage to the ground and grass while walking, which is especially useful in mountainous and grassy areas.
There are two main varieties of alpacas: Huacaya and Suri. Huacaya is more common; its wool is dense and slightly curly. Suri wool is longer and straighter, hanging down the sides of the body. The fibers of both varieties are used to produce clothing and other items.
The main reason for raising alpacas is their wool. It is light, soft, and warm, used to create clothing, sweaters, and other textile products. According to FAO data, one large alpaca can yield about 1.5–2.8 kilograms of wool annually. Alpaca wool is available in various natural colors, including white, cream, brown, and black.
The alpaca is a herbivorous animal and feeds mainly on grass. In mountainous areas, it grazes on pastures, obtaining fresh and dry grass. Because it lives in the high-altitude regions of the Andes, its body is adapted to the local climate, and its dense wool helps protect it from the cold.
Alpacas are social creatures and prefer to live in groups rather than alone. In the herd, they communicate with each other using various sounds and body movements. When a threat is detected, they can make sounds to warn the other animals. It is also known that alpacas can spit, although they usually do not do so without reason; this behavior is observed when frightened, angry, or anxious.
An alpaca's gestation period is about 335 days, which is approximately 11 months. Usually, one offspring is born, called a cria. At birth, the baby's weight can be from 7 to 10 kilograms. After about six months, the offspring begins to refuse mother's milk.
The relationship between alpacas and humans spans thousands of years. The inhabitants of the Andes have been breeding them for centuries. Their wool has traditionally been used to make clothing and other items. Today, alpacas continue to be bred in Peru and other countries in South America, and the wool they provide is a source of income for many people.
About 70 alpacas that returned from the mountains in Switzerland demonstrate another feature of this animal. It is not only famous for its soft wool but is also well-adapted to life in mountainous conditions.