About Alpacas

Alpacas (Camelidae Lama pacos) are native to the Andes Mountains in South America. Alpacas are closely related to the llamas, but are smaller, with longer softer fiber. In South America, alpacas are raised to produce fiber while llamas are raised as pack animals.

There are an estimated three million alpacas in the world. The majority are in the South American countries of Peru, Chile and Bolivia. The American population of registered alpacas is estimated to be 42,000 animals as of December 2002.

The North American alpaca industry began in 1984 with the first importation. Commercial alpaca production in America involves breeding and raising alpacas to produce and sell breeding stock and fiber.

Current alpaca numbers in North America are able to support a cottage-based fiber processing industry. A much larger population of alpacas would be required for American alpaca producers to support commercial scale processing.

Rapid expansion in commercial alpaca production is expected to continue and contribute to a high demand for breeding stock.


Breeding females produce one baby a year, which will make our national herd grow at a slow rate.

There are limitations on the number of alpacas that can be exported from South American countries.

The U.S. Alpaca Registry is closed to further importation to protect our national herd, which will further limit U.S. herd growth.

The alpaca industry has its own lingo that includes the following terms:

  Huacaya (pronounced “wah-KI-ah”) is the most common variety of alpaca. The fiber of huacaya alpacas grows perpendicular to the body. It forms a lock structure that surrounds the body with fiber, giving the animal a fluffy spongy appearance. Approximately 90 per cent of the world’s alpacas are of the huacaya breed.
  Suri (pronounced “surrey”) is a less common variety of alpaca. The fiber of suri alpacas grows parallel to the body and hangs down the sides of the body in curly ringlets. Suri fiber doesn’t stand out from the body, but parts along the backbone and hangs along the sides giving the animal a slender, sleek look. Approximately 10 per cent of the world’s alpaca are of the suri breed.
  Dam is the name for an alpaca mother. In Spanish, the females are known as hembras.
  Sire is the name for an alpaca father. In Spanish, the adult males are known as machos.
  Cria (kree’-ah) is the name for an alpaca baby.
  Weanlings Weaned crias are known as weanlings and are less than one year old.
  Yearlings Yearlings are alpacas over a year old.

Commercial alpaca production is a relatively new business that has grown rapidly due to the following factors:

  Alpacas are easy-keepers that require a minimum of care and few special facilities. Alpacas are one-third to one-half the size of llamas and consume less food than llamas.
  Alpacas generally have a gentle nature and tranquil temperament. They make gentle, calming humming sounds and are relatively easy to train and handle.
  Alpacas have a curious, inquisitive nature. Their endearing behavior makes them a pleasure to work with and they provide endless hours of enjoyment.
  Alpacas are hardy, able to adapt to most conditions and tend to be disease free.
  Alpacas produce specialty fiber. It’s in high demand with limited supply. Alpaca fiber is elastic, strong and both warmer and lighter than wool.
  Alpaca operations may be economically viable on a smaller land base than most other agricultural enterprises.

Regional, National, and International Associations help breeders large and small in their marketing efforts helping to create awareness about these wonderful creatures and their luxurious fiber.