Llama

Llama, common name for a long-eared South American ruminant that is domesticated from the guanaco. The llama stands 0.9 to 1.3 m (3 to 4.3 ft) high at the shoulder and is usually white, blotched with black and brown; sometimes it is pure white or pure black. The female llama gives birth to one or rarely two offspring once every two years.

Male llamas have been used as beasts of burden in the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes Mountains for more than 4000 years. The surefooted animals can carry as much as 91 kg (200 lb) for 12 hours a day, but they are not ridden. When weary or overloaded, llamas lie down and refuse to move, often spitting at their driver. The females are raised for their flesh, which tastes somewhat like mutton, and for their milk, which is used extensively in western South America. The meat of the males is tough and rarely eaten. The long, coarse wool of both sexes is used in the weaving of textiles, and the skins are tanned for leather. Llama tallow is used for making candles. The long hair is braided and used for rope, and the dried excrement is used as fuel. For related animals in the same genus, see Alpaca; Vicuña.

Scientific classification: The llama belongs to the family Camelidae. It is classified as Lama glama. The guanaco is classified as Lama guanicoe.