They stand at 1,100 to 1,200mm at the shoulder and have slender bodies with long limbs and neck. The head is typical of camelids with long, pointed ears and cleft, highly mobile lips. Their fur can be long, thick and wooly, especially along the flanks, chest and thighs. It is reddish-brown dorsally, and the underparts are white.
Range mass: 115 to 140 kg.
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry
Average lifespan
Status: captivity: 28.3 years.
Average lifespan
Status: wild: 20.0 years.
Guanacos inhabit grasslands and shrublands from sea level to 4,000m. Occasionally they winter in forests.
Terrestrial Biomes: desert or dune ; savanna or grassland ; mountains
Found from southern Peru down the Andean zone of Chile and Argentina to Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island. There is also a population in far western Paraguay.
Biogeographic Regions: neotropical (Native )
Guanacos are herbivores that can inhabit dry areas and forego drinking for long periods. They are versatile foragers, both browsing and grazing on grasses and plants.
Guanacos have long been hunted for their meat and fur. They are believed to be the ancestor to the now domesticated llamas and alpacas, which are important as beasts of burden and for their fur.
Guanacos when young are vulnerable to pumas, but the reduction in the puma populations has lead to mortality due to starvation.
Adult guanacos can run at speeds of up to 56km/hr.
Perception Channels: tactile ; chemical
Guanacos have had their numbers drastically reduced due to human pressures of habitat encroachment, habitat destruction, and hunting. In addition, climatic changes are also blamed for decreases in population size and range.
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern
Females are apparently induced ovulators, and especially in the southern end of the range breeding reaches a peak in February. Young are born in December to February after an eleven month gestation period. They weigh 8-15kg at birth and nurse for eleven to fifteen months. Females may begin to breed as early as one year of age, sometimes younger, though two to three years old is more typical.
Key Reproductive Features: gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual
Average birth mass: 11500 g.
Average gestation period: 335 days.
Average number of offspring: 1.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male)
Sex: male: 730 days.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)
Sex: female: 365 days.
The guanaco (Lama guanicoe) is the largest and most widely distributed wild artiodactyl (even-toed hoofed mammal) in South America. It is the most important native herbivorous species in the South American steppes and the dominant ungulate (hoofed mammal) in a fauna rich in rodents but poor in large mammal species. As of 2006, populations of guanacos were estimated to number a bit under 1 million individuals. As of 2008 guanacos were protected in 22 reserves: 14 in Argentina, 4 in Chile, 3 in Peru, and 1 in Bolivia--leaving only the Paraguayan populations unprotected. (de Lamo et al. 2001; Márin et al. 2008 and references therein)
Although guanacos traditionally played a major role in the lives of some South American aboriginal peoples, populations declined after the introduction of domestic sheep into Patagonia in the early 1900s, largely as a result of conflicts with sheep breeders. Researchers have estimated that there were about 30 to 35 million free-ranging guanacos in South America prior to colonization by Europeans. By the end of the 20th century, this number had dropped to 400,000 to 600,000, distributed over less than half of the historic range (more than 90% of the population is found in Patagonia in Argentina). Montes et al. (2006) proposed the development of sustainable methods for live-trapping and shearing free-ranging guanacos. (Montes et al. 2006 and references therein)
Guanacos are found from sea level to altitudes of about 4500 m in arid, semi-arid, hilly, mountain, steppe, and temperate forest habitats from Peru (8°S) southward to the central eastern and western slopes of the Andes and across Patagonia, including Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island (de Lamo et al. 2001; González et al. 2006 and references therein).
The guanaco is one of four South American camelids (mammals in the camel family) recognized today, two of which are wild species, the guanaco and the vicuña (Vicugna vicugna), and two of which are domesticated forms, the alpaca (Lama pacos) and the llama (Lama glama). Wild vicuña and guanaco diverged from a shared ancestor two to three million years ago. (Wheeler 1995). At one time it was widely believed that both the domestic alpaca and the llama were derived from guanacos. However, in light of new archaeozoological evidence from 6000 to 7000 years ago in the central Peruvian Andes linking alpaca origins to the vicuña, Kadwell et al. (2001) investigated the origins of these domesticated forms using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers. Their results supported the hypothesis that the alpaca is derived from the vicuña (and confirmed the hypothesis that the llama is derived from the guanaco), although this work also revealed genetic evidence of historical hybridization and gene flow (at least among domesticated forms). Chromosomal analyses have also indicated that the llama was derived from the guanaco and the alpaca from the vicuña (Marín et al. 2007). Given the well established divergence between the guanaco and vicuña, many authors suggest that the correct name for the alpaca is therefore Vicugna pacos (Kadwell et al. 2001; Marín et al. 2007).
The guanaco (Lama guanicoe) is the largest and most widely distributed wild artiodactyl (even-toed hoofed mammal) in South America. It is the most important native herbivorous species in the South American steppes and the dominant ungulate (hoofed mammal) in a fauna rich in rodents but poor in large mammal species. As of 2006, populations of guanacos were estimated to number a bit under 1 million individuals. As of 2008 guanacos were protected in 22 reserves: 14 in Argentina, 4 in Chile, 3 in Peru, and 1 in Bolivia--leaving only the Paraguayan populations unprotected. (de Lamo et al. 2001; Márin et al. 2008 and references therein)
Although guanacos traditionally played a major role in the lives of some South American aboriginal peoples, populations declined after the introduction of domestic sheep into Patagonia in the early 1900s, largely as a result of conflicts with sheep breeders. Researchers have estimated that there were about 30 to 35 million free-ranging guanacos in South America prior to colonization by Europeans. By the end of the 20th century, this number had dropped to 400,000 to 600,000, distributed over less than half of the historic range (more than 90% of the population is found in Patagonia in Argentina). Montes et al. (2006) proposed the development of sustainable methods for live-trapping and shearing free-ranging guanacos. (Montes et al. 2006 and references therein)
Guanacos are found from sea level to altitudes of about 4500 m in arid, semi-arid, hilly, mountain, steppe, and temperate forest habitats from Peru (8°S) southward to the central eastern and western slopes of the Andes and across Patagonia, including Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island (de Lamo et al. 2001; González et al. 2006 and references therein).
The guanaco is one of four South American camelids (mammals in the camel family) recognized today, two of which are wild species, the guanaco and the vicuña (Vicugna vicugna), and two of which are domesticated forms, the alpaca (Lama pacos) and the llama (Lama glama). Wild vicuña and guanaco diverged from a shared ancestor two to three million years ago. (Wheeler 1995). At one time it was widely believed that both the domestic alpaca and the llama were derived from guanacos. However, in light of new archaeozoological evidence from 6000 to 7000 years ago in the central Peruvian Andes linking alpaca origins to the vicuña, Kadwell et al. (2001) investigated the origins of these domesticated forms using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers. Their results supported the hypothesis that the alpaca is derived from the vicuña (and confirmed the hypothesis that the llama is derived from the guanaco), although this work also revealed genetic evidence of historical hybridization and gene flow (at least among domesticated forms). Chromosomal analyses have also indicated that the llama was derived from the guanaco and the alpaca from the vicuña (Marín et al. 2007). Given the well established divergence between the guanaco and vicuña, many authors suggest that the correct name for the alpaca is therefore Vicugna pacos (Kadwell et al. 2001; Marín et al. 2007).
Guanacos are around 100 to 120 kg, with slender limbs and neck. The upper parts are dark fawn brown, the underparts are white, and the face is blackish. The wooly coat is longest on the flanks, chest, and thighs. Females have four mammae. (Nowak 1991 and references therein)
Like the llama, the guanaco feeds by both grazing and browsing (the vicuña and alpaca are strictly grazers) (Nowak 1991 and references therein).
Di Rocco et al. (2010) published a comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of the guanaco and the mitochondrial coding sequence of the vicuña.
The guanaco (/ɡwɑːˈnɑːkoʊ/;[3] Lama guanicoe) is a camelid native to South America, closely related to the llama. Guanacos are one of two wild South American camelids, the other being the vicuña, which lives at higher elevations.
The guanaco gets its name from the Quechua word huanaco[4] (modern spelling wanaku). Young guanacos are called chulengos.[5]
Guanacos stand between 1.0 and 1.3 m (3 ft 3 in and 4 ft 3 in) at the shoulder, body length of 2.1 to 2.2 m (6 ft 11 in to 7 ft 3 in),[6][7][8] and weigh 90 to 140 kg (200 to 310 lb).[9] Their color varies very little (unlike the domestic llama), ranging from a light brown to dark cinnamon and shading to white underneath. Guanacos have grey faces and small, straight ears. The lifespan of a guanaco can be as long as 28 years.[10]
Guanacos are one of the largest terrestrial mammals native to South America today.[7] Other terrestrial mammalian megafauna weighing as much or more than the guanaco include the tapirs, the marsh deer, the white-tailed deer, the spectacled bear, and the jaguar.
Guanacos have thick skin on their necks, a trait also found in their domestic counterparts, the llama, and their relatives, the wild vicuña and domesticated alpaca. This protects their necks from predator attacks. Bolivians use the neck skin of these animals to make shoes, flattening and pounding the skin to be used for the soles. In Chile, hunting is allowed only in Tierra del Fuego, where the only population not classified as endangered in the country resides. Between 2007 and 2012, 13,200 guanacos were legally hunted in Tierra del Fuego.[11]
Like all camels, Guanacos are herbivores, grazing on grasses, shrubs, herbs, lichens, fungi, cacti, and flowers.[12] The food is swallowed with little chewing and first enters the forestomach to be digested finally after rumination. This process is similar to that of ruminants, to which camels are not zoologically related. The camels' digestive system is likely to have developed independently of ruminants, which is evidenced by the fact that the forestomachs are equipped with glands.[13][14]
Guanacos are often found at high altitudes, up to 4,000 m (13,000 ft) above sea level, except in Patagonia, where the southerly latitude means ice covers the vegetation at these altitudes. For guanacos to survive in the low oxygen levels found at these high altitudes, their blood is rich in red blood cells. A teaspoon of guanaco blood contains about 68 million red blood cells; four times that of a human.[15]
Guanaco fiber is particularly prized for its soft, warm feel and is found in luxury fabric. In South America, the guanaco's soft wool is valued second only to that of vicuña wool. The pelts, particularly from the calves, are sometimes used as a substitute for red fox pelts, because the texture is difficult to differentiate. Like their domestic descendant, the llama, the guanaco is double-coated with coarse guard hairs and a soft undercoat, the hairs of which are about 16–18 µ in diameter and comparable to cashmere.[16]
Guanacos inhabit the steppes, scrublands and mountainous regions of South America. They are found in the altiplano of Peru, Bolivia and Chile, and in Patagonia, with a small population in Paraguay.[1] In Argentina they are more numerous in Patagonian regions, as well as in places such as Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. In these areas, they have more robust populations, since grazing competition from livestock is limited. Guanaco responded to forage availability, occupying zones with low to intermediate food availability in the breeding season, and those with the highest availability in the non-breeding season.[17]
Estimates, as of 2016, place their numbers around 1.5 to 2 million animals 1,225,000–1,890,000 in Argentina, 270,000–299,000 in Chile, 3,000 in Peru, 150–200 in Bolivia and 20–100 in Paraguay. This is only 3–7% of the guanaco population before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in South America.[18] [19] A small population introduced by John Hamilton exists on Staats Island in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), with a population of around 400 as of 2003.[20] In Torres del Paine National Park, the numbers of Guanacos increased from 175 in 1975 to 3,000 in 1993.[18][21]
Guanacos live in herds composed of females, their young, and a dominant male. Bachelor males form separate herds. While reproductive groups tend to remain small, often containing no more than 10 adults, bachelor herds may contain as many as 50 males. When they feel threatened, guanacos alert the herd to flee with a high-pitched, bleating call. The male usually runs behind the herd to defend them. They can run at 56 km/h (35 mph) per hour, often over steep and rocky terrain.[22] They are also excellent swimmers. A guanaco's typical lifespan is 20 to 25 years.[12]
In Bolivia, the habitat of Guanacos is found to be threatened by woody plant encroachment.[23]
Some guanacos live in the Atacama Desert, where in some areas it has not rained for over 50 years. A mountainous coastline running parallel to the desert enables them to survive in what are called "fog oases" or lomas. Where the cool water touches the hotter land, the air above the desert is cooled, creating a fog and thus, water vapor. Winds carry the fog across the desert, where cacti catch the water droplets and lichens that cling to the cacti soak it in like a sponge. Guanacos then eat the cacti flowers and the lichens.[24]
Guanacos in Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia
Guanacos near the La Silla Observatory, 2400 meters above sea level[25]
The remains of a guanaco scattered in the Atacama Desert, southwest of Cerro Paranal: The only intact section of skin is the thicker skin around the neck
Guanacos near Torres del Paine, Chile
The guanaco is a diurnal animal. It lives in small herds consisting of one male and several females with their young. When the male detects danger, he warns the group by bleating. The guanaco can run up to 64 km/h. This speed is important for the survival of guanacos because they cannot easily hide in the open grasslands of the Altiplano.[26]
Natural predators of the guanaco include pumas and the culpeo or Andean fox.[7] Fox predation was unknown until 2007 when predators began to be observed in the Karukinka Reserve in Tierra del Fuego. Scientists attribute the reason for the alleged new predation to the unfavourable climatic conditions on the island, which are causing food to become scarce, weakening the animals. The absence of pumas on Tierra del Fuego is also believed to be a factor that allows the fox to occupy its ecological niche. Finally, it is believed that this behaviour is not new, as the fox is nocturnal, which allows it to capture most of its prey, but makes it challenging to observe. Faced with the threat of the red fox, guanacos resort to cooperative strategies to protect their young with a shield formation, a circle around the vulnerable. If they are successful, they chase the fox away, which would be impossible with a puma.[27]
When threatened, the guanaco alerts the rest of the herd with a high-pitched bleating sound, which sounds similar to a short, sharp laugh. Though typically mild-mannered, guanacos often spit when threatened, and can do so up to a distance of six feet.[28][29]
Mating season occurs between November and February, during which males often fight violently to establish dominance and breeding rights. Eleven-and-a-half months later, a single chulengo is born.[30] Chulengos are able to walk immediately after birth. Male chulengos are chased off from the herd by the dominant male around one year of age.
Although the species is still considered wild, around 300 guanacos are in U.S. zoos, and around 200 are registered in private herds.[31] Guanacos have long been thought to be the parent species of the domesticated llama, which was confirmed via molecular phylogenetic analysis in 2001, although the analysis also found that domestic llamas had experienced considerable cross-hybridization with alpacas, which are descended from the wild vicuña.[32]
The guanaco was independently domesticated by the Mapuche of Mocha Island in southern Chile, producing the "chilihueque" which was bred for its wool and to pull the plough. This animal disappeared in the 17th century when it was replaced by Old World sheep and draft animals.[33]
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) The guanaco (/ɡwɑːˈnɑːkoʊ/; Lama guanicoe) is a camelid native to South America, closely related to the llama. Guanacos are one of two wild South American camelids, the other being the vicuña, which lives at higher elevations.
