South American Alpaca: Packing Fiber

Alpaca are a species of South American camelid, a two-toed herbivore similar to the guanaco, vicuña, and llama. There are two types of alpaca: the Huacaya and the Suri. The former is more common, but the Suri distinguishes itself with long, dangling fleece. Alpaca are docile and able to endure harsh environments, such as high altitudes and dramatic temperature changes. They can also be gathered in large herds to graze on pasture grass and sedge. These traits make them an ideal farm animal; but while other camelids are often bred as beasts of burden, the alpaca is known for producing one of the most highly sought-after natural fibers in the world. …
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