the history of llamas

The History of Llamas

Instructor: Kimberly Stoudt

Blended e-Learning July – August 2005

Agenda

1.Llama migration to South America.

2.Identifiaction of camelid species.

3.Incan and Llama history.

4.Importation of Llamas into North America.

5.Influence of breeding programs on the physical presentation of Llamas.

6. History of Llamas group activity

Domesticated longer than practically any other animal in the world

The last thirty years have seen the rediscovery of the Llama in its native South America and its initial discovery in North America.

The llama is native to the high altitudes in the Andes of South America.

The llama is one of the four species known as New World camelids. The other species are the

alpaca guanaco

vicunaAll four species are thought to have originated from a common North American ancestor, the African and Asian camels.

Alpaca

Llama Vicuna

Guanco

Migration into the South American Andes formed the ancestry of the guanaco and vicuna.

The domestication of these two species is thought to have given rise to the llama and alpaca, with the llama originating from the guanaco and the alpaca from the vicuna.

Questions:

Name the four camelid species.

Compare the physical differences of

the four species.

The domestication of the llama and alpaca marked the of a high dependence on these animals by the Inca culture of the Andes.

Inca and Llama History

Domestication allowed the Llamas’ additional use as a beast of burden as well as a base for selective breeding programs.

The reign of the llama and alpaca in the Andean region ended abruptly in the early 1500s with the Spanish conquest of that region of South America.

The llama and alpaca became animals of the poor and formed the base of a subsistence culture for the natives of the high puna.

The llama continued its obscure existence until about 30 years ago.

The llama is a relative newcomer in North America.

After the presumed migration of the original camelid to Asia and South America, there were no camelids in North America until the importation of llamas as zoo exhibits in the late 1800s.

One of the more significant importations was made in the early 1900s by William Randolph Hearst to populate his San Simeon estate. Reported to have numbered twelve animals, Hearst's importation is thought to have been the largest to that date.Additional information about the Hearst herd:

Llamas for Love and Money: History of Llamas and Alpacas in N Americahttp://www.llamas-information.com/llamas-love-and-money/01-2-history-llamas-alpacas.htm

These early imports formed the base of the United States llama herd, which, until the early 1970s, resided in private exotic collections and zoos.

A few private breeders and zoos recognized the unique qualities of the llama and began specialized breeding programs.

These herds increased the visibility and improved the presentation of the llamas.

This lead to other people becoming interested in raising them as alternative livestock for pet/companion animals and pack animals.

Following decades of importation closure, the restrictions were lifted and South American llamas again entered the U.S.

Cost of quarantines and transportation limited those numbers to several thousand.

Those animals began the base population, which represents the present U.S. Llama herd, now numbering in excess of 100,000 animals.

Group Activity

Using the linked sites they we reviewed; Inca and Llama History, and Presentation, compose a paragraph to answer the following questions.

1.Name the Llama’s five native countries.

2.List at least three ways the Incas used Llamas.

3.Explain why Llama presentation is important in the showring.

Be prepared to explain and justify your answers.

Questions?

Comments?

“we are transformed by what we love”Author unknown.