LAMA

The llama (/ˈlɑːmə/; Spanish: [ˈʎama] locally: [ˈʝama] or [ˈʒama]) (Lama glama) is a domesticated South American camelid, widely used as a meat and pack animal by Andean cultures since pre-Hispanic times.

The height of a full-grown, full-size llama is 1.7 to 1.8 m (5.5 to 6.0 ft) tall at the top of the head, and can weigh between 130 and 200 kg (280 to 450 lb). At birth, a baby llama (called a cria) can weigh between 9 and 14 kg (20 and 30 lb). Llamas typically live for 15-25 years, with some individuals surviving 30 years or more.

Names of llama body parts: 1 ears – 2 poll – 3 withers – 4 back – 5 hip – 6 croup – 7 base of tail – 8 tail – 9 buttock – 10hock – 11 metatarsal gland – 12 heel – 13cannon bone – 14 gaskin – 15 stifle joint –16 flank – 17 barrel – 18 elbow – 19pastern – 20 fetlock – 21 Knee – 22 Chest – 23 point of shoulder – 24 shoulder – 25throat – 26 cheek or jowl – 27 muzzle

They are very social animals and live with other llamas as a herd. The wool produced by a llama is very soft and lanolin-free. Llamas are intelligent and can learn simple tasks after a few repetitions. When using a pack, they can carry about 25% to 30% of their body weight for 8–13 km (5–8 miles).

The name llama (in the past also spelled 'lama' or 'glama') was adopted by European settlers from native Peruvians.

Llamas appear to have originated from the central plains of North America about 40 million years ago. They migrated to South America about three million years ago. By the end of the last ice age (10,000–12,000 years ago), camelids were extinct in North America. As of 2007, there were over seven million llamas and alpacas in South America, and due to importation from South America in the late 20th century, there are now over 158,000 llamas and 100,000 alpacas in the United States and Canada.

Spanish empire

The first image of llamas in Europa, 1553

One of the main uses for llamas at the time of the Spanish conquest was to bring down ore from the mines in the mountains. Gregory de Bolivar estimated that in his day, as many as 300 thousand were employed in the transport of produce from the Potosí mines alone, but since the introduction of horses, mules, and donkeys, the importance of the llama as a beast of burden has greatly diminished.

According to Juan Ignacio Molina, the Dutch captain Joris van Spilbergen observed the use of chilihueques (possibly a llama type) by native Mapuches of Mocha Island as plow animals in 1614. 

Handspun llama yarn from Patagonia

Fiber

Llamas have a fine undercoat which can be used for handicrafts and garments. The coarser outer guard hair is used for rugs, wall-hangings and lead ropes. The fiber comes in many different colors ranging from white or grey to reddish-brown, brown, dark brown and black...OP+

Лама (Lama glama) е бозайник от семейство Камилови. Разпространена е предимно в Латинска Америка като домашно млекопитаещо животно. Традиционно се свързва с Перу и скотовъдството на инките. Ламите се използват за вълна, мляко, месо и като товарни животни. Счита се, че ламите съществуват отпреди 4 милиона години. Те са интелигентни животни, високи са между 1,7 метра и 1,8 метра и тежат между 130 и 200 килограма. Освен това са социални животни и обичат да живеят в стада. Живеят до 20-25 години. В случай , че ламата се почувства застрашена е много възможно да започне да плюе.

Ламите произхождат от централните равнини на Северна Америка преди 40 млн. години и мигрират в Южна Америка преди 3 млн. години. Цената на една лама варира от 500 до 1000 долара.

През 2007 г. ламите достигат брой от повече от 7 млн. В днешни дни броят им драстично се е намалил - 158 000 и 100 000 алпаки в САЩ...OP+