What are the similarities between the Alpaca (Vicugna pacos), the Llama (Lama glama), and the Vicuna (Vicugna vicugna)? 

The Alpaca, the Llama, and the Vicuna are all ungulate (hoofed) camelid mammals. They are related to the Camel.

The Alpaca, the Llama, and the Vicuna have soft sheep-like wool. The Alpaca has the second softest wool and the Vicuna has the softest wool.

The Alpaca is 81-99 centimetres (32-39 inches) tall at the shoulders. The Llama is the largest at 110 centimetres (43 inches) to the shoulder. The Vicuna is the most delicate and smallest at 76-86 centimetres (30-34 inches) to the shoulder. 

The Alpaca has small, straight, pointy ears. The Llama has long, curved, banana-shaped ears, with the tips bending inwards. The Vicuna has triangular ears.

The Alpaca has a flatter face with more hair on their face, whereas the Llama’s face is longer, and the Vicuna’s face has short, soft fur.

The Alpaca, the Llama, and the Vicuna are all native to South America.

The Alpaca, the Llama, and the Vicuna are all social animals, living in small herds.

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM