Nature Facts
Llamas
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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.
