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The alpaca (Lama pacos) is a species of South American camelid mammal. Traditionally, alpacas are kept in herds that graze on the level heights of the Andes of Southern Peru, Western Bolivia, Ecuador, and Northern Chile. Today, alpacas may be found on farms and ranches worldwide, with thousands of animals born and raised annually. Alpacas are especially popular in North America, Europe, and Australia.

There are 2 modern breeds of alpaca, separated based on their respective region of endemism and fiber (wool) type: the Suri alpaca and the Huacaya alpaca. Both breeds produce a highly valued fiber, with Suri alpaca's fiber growing in straight "locks," while Huacaya fiber has a "crimped," wavy texture and grows in bundles. These breeds' fibers are used for making knitted and woven items, similar to sheep's wool.

Alpacas are visually and genetically similar to, and often confused with a relative species, the llamas (Lama glama); however, alpacas are visibly shorter and predominantly bred for their wool, while llamas have long been more highly prized as livestock guardians (in place of dogs), and as a pack animal (beast-of-burden), owing to their nimble mountain-climbing abilities. Nonetheless, all 4 South American camelids are closely related and can successfully crossbreed. Both the alpaca and the llama are believed to have been domesticated and selectively bred from their wild counterparts - the smaller, fine-haired vicuña and the larger, stronger guanaco, respectively - at least 5,000 to 6,000 years ago.

Alpacas communicate through body language, spitting to show dominance when distressed, fearful, or agitated. Male alpacas are more aggressive than females. In some cases, alpha males will immobilize the head and neck of a weaker or challenging male to show their strength and dominance.

In the textile industry, "alpaca" primarily refers to the hair of Peruvian alpacas. Still, more broadly, it refers to a style of fabric originally made from alpaca hair, such as mohair, Icelandic sheep wool, or even high-quality wool from other breeds of sheep. In trade, distinctions are made between alpacas and the several styles of mohair and luster.

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A tour group in Peru spots a Carnotaurus hunting an alpaca, with the video ending with the carnivore about to kill the animal.

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