Alpaca Vicugna pacos (formerly Lama pacos)

Alpacas are like small Llamas and, like Llamas, don't exist in the wild; they are entirely domesticated (some in feral herds). Related to wild Vicuňas, they are native to Andean regions of South America.

Although they can look like long-necked, woolly sheep they are in fact camelids, related to Camels, as are their close relatives Vicuňas, Llamas and Guanacos.

Like sheep, they are herd animals, kept mainly for their wool. Their wool is said to be softer than cashmere but stronger than sheep wool. There are two fleece types: huacaya (normal) and suri (long dreadlocks). Unusually, but hygenically, Alpacas use a communal dung pile away from eating areas.