ALPACAS and LLAMAS are members of the South American Camelid family, having been domesticated for around 4000 years.   

For a more in-depth explanation of the difference between the alpaca and llama, we suggest you go to the bottom of this page for an enlightening article by Berry Carter, our friend and colleague from Lama World.

ALPACAS now number approximately 40,000 in Australia.

ALPACAS are a hardy animal with a soft padded foot giving low impact on fragile soil. 

Soft padded, two toed foot.

They  are also more efficient in converting fodder to energy, than sheep, require less fencing maintenance than cattle as they do not test fences, and browse rather than graze, therefore having minimal pasture impact.

ALPACAS are of  2 distinct types.

The HUACAYA is the most plentiful in Australia at present.

Close up of Huacaya fleece

The SURI type displays the long dreadlocks, with a lustrous, silky feel.

Close up of Suri fleece

ALPACAS come in a wide spectrum of natural colours.

ALPACA  fibre is highly  sought  after both locally and internationally as it is non-allergenic, extremely strong, hard wearing, shrink  and pill resistant.  ALPACA garments provide a lighter weight, with higher insulation properties than sheep wool, combined with a silky luxuriant feel.

ALPACAS are not prone to Footrot and are resistant to Flystrike due to the low oil levels in their fleece.  Generally free from lice and requiring no tail docking, ALPACAS can live to around 25 years and can be productive for many of these years.

 ALPACAS gestation period is approx. 11.5 months, and often considerately give trouble free birth in daylight.

LLAMAS are larger than their alpaca cousins, have banana shaped ears and hold their tales in a "teacup handle" pose. Otherwise, their husbandry and maintenance is the same as that for alpacas.

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