Llama

For other uses of "llama" and similarly spelled words, see Lama (disambiguation)

Llama
Conservation status
Template:StatusDomesticated
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Artiodactyla
Family:	Camelidae
Genus:	Lama
Species:	L. glama
Binomial name
Lama glama (Linnaeus, 1758)

The llama (Lama glama) is a large camelid that originated in North America and then later on moved on to South America. The term llama is sometimes used more broadly, to indicate any of the four closely related animals that make up the South American branch of the family Camelidae: the true llama, the vicuña, alpaca, and guanaco. They were used as a system of transportation for the Incas.

Differentiating characteristics between llamas and alpacas include the llama's larger size and longer head. Alpacas are sometimes considered to have more valuable fiber, as it is typically finer than that of a llama. Alpacas also tend to have darker fur than that of llamas. The most apparent visual difference between llamas and camels is that camels have a hump or humps and llamas do not.

Classification

Although they were often compared by early writers to sheep and spoken of as such, their affinity to the camel was very soon perceived. They were included in the genus Camelus in the Systema Naturae of Linnaeus. They were, however, separated by Cuvier in 1800 under the name of llama along with the alpaca and the guanaco. Vicuñas are in genus Vicugna. The animals of the genus Lama are, with the two species of true camels, the sole existing representatives of a very distinct section of the "Artiodactyla" or even-toed ungulates, called Tylopoda, or "bump-footed," from the peculiar bumps on the soles of their feet, on which they tread. This section thus consists of a single family, the Camelidae, the other sections of the same great division being the Suina or pigs, the Tragulina or chevrotains, and the Pecora or true ruminants, to each of which the Tylopoda have more or less affinity, standing in some respects in a central position between them, borrowing as it were some characters from each, but in others showing great special modifications not found in any of the other sections.

The discoveries of a vast and previously unsuspected extinct fauna of the American continent of the Tertiary period, as interpreted by the palaeontologists Leidy, Cope, and Marsh, has thrown a flood of light upon the early history of this family, and upon its relations to other mammals.

A llama overlooking Machu Picchu, Peru

It is now known that llamas at one time were not confined to the part of the continent south of the Isthmus of Panama, as at the present day, for their remains have been abundantly found in the Pleistocene deposits of the region of the Rocky Mountains, and in Central America, some attaining a much larger size than those now existing. Some species of llamas did stay in North America during the last ice ages. 25,000 years ago, llamas would have been a common sight in modern-day California, Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Missouri, and Florida. These North American llamas belong to a single genus, Hemiauchenia, which is extinct.

Many camel-like animals exhibiting different genetic modifications and a gradual series of changes, coinciding with the antiquity of the deposits in which they are found, have been traced from the thoroughly differentiated species of the modern epoch down through the Pliocene to the early Miocene beds. Their characters having become more generalized, they have lost all that especially distinguishes them as Camelidae: they are merged into forms common to the ancestral type of all the other sections of the Artiodactyles.

Hitherto none of these annectant forms have been found in any of the fossiliferous strata of the Old World; it may therefore be fairly surmised (according to the evidence at present before us) that the Americas were the original home of the Tylopoda, and that the true camels have passed over into the Old World, probably by way of north Asia. Gradually driven southward, perhaps by changes of climate, and having become isolated, they have undergone further special modifications. Meanwhile, those members of the family that remained in their original birthplace have become, through causes not clearly understood, restricted solely to the southern or most distant part of the continent. There are few groups of mammals for which the palaeontological history has been so satisfactorily demonstrated as the llama.

Having been 'discovered' by European settlers in Southern America, the llama was widely recognised as a food source with potential for farming. The toes were used for a variety of medicinal purposes, such as ointment associated with the cure of headaches and minor colds, and were also considered a valuable ingredient for many experimental alchemists of that period. Because of their uniqueness and range of colors, the fibre of the Llama was often used by the rich and made into coats for the winter, this was to show off their wealth, as well as one of the most effective ways to keep warm.

Characteristics

The following characters apply especially to llamas. Dentition of adults:-incisors 1/3 canines 1/1, premolars 2/2, molars 3/2; total 32. In the upper jaw there is a compressed, sharp, pointed laniariform incisor near the hinder edge of the premaxilla, followed in the male at least by a moderate-sized, pointed, curved spank canine in the anterior part of the maxilla. The isolated canine-like premolar which follows in the camels is not present. The teeth of the molar series which are in contact with each other consist of two very small premolars (the first almost rudimentary) and three broad molars, constructed generally like those of Camelus. In the lower jaw, the three incisors are long, spatulate, and procumbent; the outer ones are the smallest. Next to these is a curved, suberect canine, followed after an interval by an isolated minute and often deciduous simple conical premolar; then a contiguous series of one premolar and three molars, which differ from those of Camelus in having a small accessory column at the anterior outer edge.

The skull generally resembles that of Camelus, the relatively larger brain-cavity and orbits and less developed cranial ridges being due to its smaller size. The nasal bones are shorter and broader, and are joined by the premaxilla.

Vertebrae:

• cervical 7,
• dorsal 12,
• lumbar 7,
• sacral 4,
• caudal 15 to 20.

Ears are rather long and slightly curved inward, characteristically known as "banana" shaped. There is no dorsal hump. Feet are narrow, the toes being more separated than in the camels, each having a distinct plantar pad. The tail is short, and fibre is long, woolly and soft.

In essential structural characters, as well as in general appearance and habits, all the animals of this genus very closely resemble each other, so that whether they should be considered as belonging to one, two, or more species is a matter of controversy among naturalists.

The question is complicated by the circumstance of the great majority of individuals which have come under observation being either in a completely or partially domesticated state. Many are also descended from ancestors which have previously been domesticated; a state which tends to produce a certain amount of variation from the original type. It has, however, lost much of its importance since the doctrine of the distinct origin of species has been generally abandoned. The four forms commonly distinguished by the inhabitants of South America are recognized by some naturalists as distinct species, and have had specific designations attached to them, though usually with expressions of doubt, and with great difficulties in defining their distinctive characteristics.

These are:

• the llama, Auchenia glama (Linn.), or Lama peruana (Tiedemann);
• the alpaca, A. pacos (Linn.);
• the guanaco or huanaco, A. huonaeus (Molina); and
• the vicuña, A. vicugna (Molina), or A. vicuiena, (Cuv.).

The llama and alpaca are only known in the domestic state, and are variable in size and of many colours, being often white, brown, or piebald. Some are grey or black. The guanaco and vicuña are wild, the former being endangered, and of a nearly uniform light-brown colour, passing into white below. They certainly differ from each other, the vicuña being smaller, more slender in its proportions, and having a shorter head than the guanaco. The vicuña lives in herds on the bleak and elevated parts of the mountain range bordering the region of perpetual snow, amidst rocks and precipices, occurring in various suitable localities throughout Peru, in the southern part of Ecuador, and as far south as the middle of Bolivia. Its manners very much resemble those of the chamois of the European Alps; it is as vigilant, wild, and timid. The fibre is extremely delicate and soft, and highly valued for the purposes of weaving, but the quantity which each animal produces is minimal.

Reproduction

A dam and her cria.

Llamas have an interesting and unusual reproductive cycle, especially for a large animal.

Mating

They mate with the female in a koosh (lying down) position, which is fairly unusual in a large animal. They mate for an extended period of time (15–30 minutes), also unusual in a large animal.

Gestation

The gestation period of a llama is 330–368 days (about 11–12 months). Mother llamas do not lick off their babies, as they have an attached tongue which does not reach outside of the mouth more than half an inch. Rather, they will nuzzle and hum to their newborns.

Breeding situations

Harem breeding

Male is left with females most of the year. Not recommended.

Field breeding

A female is turned out into a field with a male llama and left there for some period of time. This is the easiest method in terms of labour, but the least useful in terms of prediction of a likely birth date. If your vet is good with ultrasound, you can combine this with the exposure dates to get a better idea when to expect the cria.

Hand breeding

This is the most efficient method, but requires the most work on the part of the human involved. Male and female llama are put into the same pen and breeding is monitored. They are then separated and rebred every other day until one or the other refuses the breeding. Usually one can get in two breedings using this method, though some studs have routinely refused to breed a female more than once. The separation presumably helps to keep the sperm count high for each breeding and also helps to keep the condition of the female llama's reproductive tract more sound. If the breeding is not successful within two to three weeks, the female is rebred once again.

Pregnancy

Testing for pregnancy

Llamas should be tested for pregnancy after breeding at 2–3 weeks, 6 weeks, and at least 12 weeks.

1. "Male testing". Catch up the female and also any suitable intact male. If he attempts to breed her and she lies down for him within a fairly short period of time, she is not pregnant. If she remains on her feet, spits, attacks him, or otherwise prevents his being able to mate, it is assumed that she is probably pregnant.
2. Progesterone testing. A veterinarian can take a blood sample test for progesterone. A high level can indicate a pregnancy.
3. Palpation. In this test, the veterinarian or breeder manually feels inside the llama to detect a pregnancy. There are some risks to the llama, but it is an accurate method for pregnancy detection.
4. Ultrasound is the most accurate method in the hands of an experienced veterinarian. A veterinarian experienced with ultrasound can do an exterior exam and detect a fetus as early as 45 days.

Pros and cons of pregnancy

Male testing is free and is usually accurate. However, some hormonal conditions in females can make them reject a male when they are in fact not pregnant, and, more rarely, accept a male when they are pregnant. Progesterone tests can give a high reading in some females with a hormonal problem who are in fact not pregnant. Neither of the previous methods, nor palpation, can give you a reasonably accurate idea of the age of the fetus, while ultrasound can. In addition, ultrasound can distinguish between pregnancy and misleading physical conditions, or between a live and dead fetus. It is really the very best method for pregnancy determination. The big disadvantage of ultrasound is that some training in the use of ultrasound is required, and not all veterinarians have the expensive equipment needed to take ultrasound readings.

Behaviour

Several other llamas.

Llamas who are well-socialized and trained to halter and lead after weaning are very friendly and pleasant to be around. They are extremely curious and most will approach people easily. However, llamas who are bottle-fed or over-socialised and over-handled as youngsters will become extremely difficult to handle when mature, when they will begin to treat humans as they treat each other, which is characterized by bouts of spitting, kicking and neck wrestling. Anyone having to bottle-feed a cria should keep contact to a minimum and stop as soon as possible.

When correctly reared spitting at a human is a rare thing. Llamas are very social herd animals, however, and do sometimes spit at each other as a way of disciplining lower-ranked llamas in the herd. A llama's social rank in a herd is never static. They can always move up or down in the social ladder by picking small fights. This is usually done between males to see who becomes alpha. Their fights are visually dramatic with spitting, ramming each other with their chests, neck wrestling and kicking, mainly to knock the other off balance. The females are usually only seen spitting as a means of controlling other herd members.

While the social structure might always be changing, they are a family and they do take care of each other. If one notices a strange noise or feels threatened, a warning bray is sent out and all others come to alert. They will often hum to each other as a form of communication.

The sound of the llama making groaning noises or going "mwa" is often a sign of fear or anger. If a llama is agitated, it will lay its ears back. One may determine how agitated the llama is by the materials in the spit. The more irritated the llama is, the further back into each of the three stomach compartments it will try to draw materials from for its spit.

An "orgle" is the mating sound of a llama or alpaca, made by the male when he is in heat. The sound is reminiscient of gargling, but with a more forceful, buzzing edge. Males begin the sound when they become aroused and continue throughout the act of procreation — from 15 minutes to more than an hour.

One of the main uses for llamas at the time of the Spanish conquest was to bring down ore from the mines in the mountains. Gregory de Bolivar estimated that in his day, as many as three hundred thousand were employed in the transport of produce from the Potosí mines alone, but since the introduction of horses, mules, and donkeys, the importance of the llama as a beast of burden has greatly diminished. Llamas also have a fine undercoat which can be used for handicrafts and garments. The coarser outer guard hair is used for rugs, wall-hangings and lead ropes.

Technically the fibre is not wool as it is hollow with a structure of diagonal 'walls' which makes it strong, light and good insulation.

Llamas in popular culture

Computer culture

• See main article: Llama (computer culture)

List of notable llamas

• The Jeff Minter computer game Llamatron, features a psychedlic laser-spitting llama as the lead character.
• The animated movie The Emperor's New Groove features Emperor Kuzco, voiced by David Spade, who gets transformed into a llama.
• In the movie Napoleon Dynamite Napoleon's Grandmother keeps a pet llama named Tina.
• Carl Wheezer, a character on Nickelodeon's The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, has a seemingly unhealthy obsession with llamas.
• The llama is the official mascot of Simon's Rock College due to the proximity of the college soccer fields to a llama farm.
• A character in the popular British radio soap opera The Archers, Lynda Snell, owns a pair of llamas named Wolfgang and Constanza.
• An indie guitar act from the UK, the Llama Farmers, have taken the animal for their name.
• An episode of the animated television series Camp Lazlo called "Loogie Llama" features a llama that been adopted by the residents of Camp Kidney as a riding animal.
• A llama is a term used by some fans of the game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? for a contestant who gets one of the first five questions wrong, leaving with no money. This term originates from a contestant (Robby Roseman of Chicago) who incorrectly answered the first question, "Hannibal crossed the Alps using what animals?" He chose llamas over the correct answer of elephants.
• A llama is featured in the computer game Bureaucracy, co-authored by Douglas Adams, who supposedly spent some time at a llama farm during brainstorming sessions for the game.
• "The Llama Song" is a comical song by Burton Earny, available on the Internet accompanied by a Flash-animated series of photos.
• Certain games from Maxis, such as The Sims 2, feature references to llamas.
• In Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid a large white llama is tied to a fence when Butch, Sundance, and Etta get off the train in Peru.
• In the MMORPG Ultima Online, when an Energy Vortex is summoned, it will occasionally appear as a purple llama. The game also includes llamas as rideable mounts, as well as numerous other references to llamas.
• A portion of the opening credits for Monty Python and the Holy Grail gives the impression that the entire film was created by Llamas.
• In an episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus, John Cleese, Eric Idle and Michael Palin play a Spanish ensemble claiming Llamas have beaks, live in the Amazon and are very dangerous, prompting them to request that if you see a Llama, you ought to yell, "¡Cuidado, Llamas!"
• In one of his "Far Side" strips, the cartoonist Gary Larson depicted two llamas inside a house, one reading a newspaper and the other looking out the window at a third llama approaching the house while carrying a briefcase. The one looking out the window says, "Llook out, Llarry -- it's the llandllord!"
• A song by the band Phish on album Picture of Nectar.
• A llama appears in the vet's office in an episode of Twin Peaks, where it pauses, and looks, apparently knowingly, straight at Special Agent Dale Cooper. According to the director, this happened accidentally but was believed to be appropriate.
• The pushmi-pullyu of the 1967 version of Doctor Doolittle was played by a llama.
• In the Adventures of Tintin story "Prisoners of the Sun", one of the running jokes involves different llamas spitting at Captain Haddock. In the end, he gets his revenge by spitting a mouthful of water in an unsuspecting llama's face.
• There is a talking llama in Busty Cops 2.
• Neil Young has a song titled 'Ride my Llama' on the album Rust Never Sleeps in which he sings of riding his llama from Peru to Texarkana, and riding it good in his old neighbourhood.
• There was a controversy amongst Serenity fans pertaining to the graphics on the DVD cover, in particular because there was apparently a llama depicted in the seething mass of people on the cover. There is no llama in the film.
• De Lama's (Dutch for The Llama's) is a Dutch television show of BNN that was first aired on June 28 2004. It is based on the Channel 4-show Whose Line is it Anyway, which is a combination of well-known and less-known theatresports-parts. The most important is improvisation.
• 'Terry The Llama' (notable llama that has recently appeared on the Oxford Facebook network)
• In Rendezvous, an episode of the television series Prison Break, Fernando Sucre tells his beloved Maricruz to meet him at the Mexico City airport, and from there, they can go to his aunt's farm, which has a llama for their baby to ride on.
• Ogden Nash featured the llama in one of his doggerel verses:

The one-L lama, he's a priest.

The two-L llama, he's a beast.
But I will bet a silk pyjama
There's no such thing as a three-L lllama.

(Except a major conflagration.)

See also

• Cama, a breed between a llama and a Camel.
• Guard Llama, Llamas used as livestock guardians.