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Guanaco
Guanaco
Wild relative of the lama
Type: Chordates
Class: Mammals
Order: Artiodactyls
Family: Camels
Genus: Llama
Species: Guanaco
General Settings
  • Habitat – mountainous areas of South America with a cool climate
  • Body length-170-225 cm, height at the withers-90-130 cm.
  • Weight-115-140 kg.
  • The basis of the diet is grass, leaves and twigs of shrubs.
  • Life expectancy is up to 30 years.

The Guanaco is the wild ancestor of the llama. An animal of slender, light build, in proportions resembling a deer or antelope, but with a more elongated neck.


Social behavior


Guanacos live in small groups of 2 types. It can be a harem of females with cubs, which is headed by one adult male. The number of animals in such groups is from 3 to 20 individuals. There are  bachelor groups, where young animals flock who have not managed to get a harem, or aging.


Reproduction


As a result of pregnancy, which lasts 11 months, a female gives birth to one cub (rarely - two). Milk feeding lasts 4 months, sometimes up to six months.


Species and people


The number of guanacos in nature continues to decline. The reason is taken away from the animals pastures, which graze livestock, and poaching, which takes the lives of hundreds of animals every year.


Interesting Facts


Guanacos are silent animals, but they can snort. 

These animals can reach speeds of up to 56 km/h.

Current status in wildlife
  • Not
    evaluated
    NE
  • Data
    deficient
    DD
  • Data
    deficient
    lc
  • near
    threatened
    NT
  • vulnerable
    vu
  • endangered
    en
  • critically
    endangered
    cr
  • extinct
    in the wild
    ew
  • Extinct
    ex
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