Machu Picchu Llamas (Which One Did It?)
Llamas are used at Machu Picchu as a natural way to keep the grass low. Llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos are native to the Andes Mountains and all are in the family Camelidae, closely related to camels. Llamas are the pack animals of the Andes. Alpacas are smaller with shorter heads and are raised mainly for their fine hair and as meat. The vicuña and guanaco are the wild ancestors of the alpaca and llama respectively. Vicuñas have even finer wool and although protected in Peru, natives are allowed to catch and shear them once a year. A vicuña hair sweater can cost thousands of dollars.
Machu Picchu Llamas (Which One Did It?)
Llamas are used at Machu Picchu as a natural way to keep the grass low. Llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos are native to the Andes Mountains and all are in the family Camelidae, closely related to camels. Llamas are the pack animals of the Andes. Alpacas are smaller with shorter heads and are raised mainly for their fine hair and as meat. The vicuña and guanaco are the wild ancestors of the alpaca and llama respectively. Vicuñas have even finer wool and although protected in Peru, natives are allowed to catch and shear them once a year. A vicuña hair sweater can cost thousands of dollars.