Nature Facts
Llamas
Facebook
Llamas are pack animals-meaning they can carry heavy loads for people. Up to about 200lbs. That’s a heavy burden! And that reminds me that Jesus said we could give our burdens to Him and He will carry them for us so we can rest.
![]()
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”
Cheetah Facts:
What’s the difference?
- Llamas are bigger than alpacas. Llamas can also weight 400lbs and alpacas 120-150lbs.
- Alpacas have a blunt face with more hair on the face and llamas have an extended nose.
- Llamas are about a foot taller than alpacas. Llamas 48 inches at the shoulder and alapacs reach only about 36 inches at the shoulder.
- The alpaca has straight ears, and the llama has a banana shaped, curved looking ear.
- Alpacas have shaggy softer hair and the llama’s hair is coarser.
- Llama fibers are used for rugs and cushion padding because of its rougher texture. Alpaca fiber is used for clothing because of its soft, warm, and lightweight texture.
- Llamas are independent while alpacas like the herd environment.
- Alpacas are more nervous than llamas. Llamas have been used to protect herds of alpacas. Llamas like to spit more than alpacas.
- An alpaca’s hair tends to be uniform in color but comes in around 22 different shades, while a llama’s hair color is likely to be more varied across the coat, but comes in less colors.
- Baby llamas and alpacas are called crias.
Llama or Alpaca?
Can you tell which one is an llama and which is alpaca?
Baby llamas and alpacas are called crias .
Llamas carrying packs in Peru.
Llamas are a common site at the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru. High in the Andes is a natural habitat for them. Tthe oxygen is low there but their blood contains a large amount of hemoglobin, enabling them to absorb the scarce oxygen in the environment.