- Male – macho or gelding (if castrated)
- Female – hembra
- Baby – cria
The llama is a member of the South American camelid family, and is in fact the oldest domesticated animal in the
world, having played an important role in the culture of South America for the past 2,000 years. It is only recently
that the outside world has realised their value and versatility. They graze the plains of Peru, Chile and Bolivia.
The llama is the largest camelid, weighing over 175kg. They are strong, intelligent, hardy animals with a gentle
temperament and an inquisitive nature.
Their fibre is much prized by knitters, and the guard hairs are used to make wall hangings, rugs and bags. They are a pack
animal and will carry heavy loads over long distances.
Llamas are both browsers and grazers. As they originate from areas of poor grazing, they can extract protein from poor scrub
and eat surprisingly little for their size.
In general, they do not spit at people, however, they do spit at other animals to establish pecking order within the group.
Spitting at humans is mostly confined to the odd rogue animal, or one that has been hand-reared.
Llamas were brought to the UK by sheep farmers to protect their flocks, as they have a great protective instinct, protecting lambs
from foxes and other predators.
Facts
- A llama can spit up to a pint of bile.
- They are used in this country for their fleeces.
- Some golfers use llamas to carry their clubs!
- A lama (one L) is a Holy man in Tibet.