Peruvian Camelids

Of Peru's two wild camelids, guanacos and vicunas, guanacos are the larger. From the ground to the top of their heads, they measure up to 182 cm in height, up to 122 cm to the shoulder. Their bodies can be as long as 6 feet and they can weigh as much as 125 kg. Although similar in look to the llama, the guanaco has straighter hair and pointed ears by which it can be distinguished.
These animals can be found living in the wild from the north of Peru all the way down to Patagonia. Generally, they live higher than 12000 feet. They can run quite fast, up to 56 km per hour, and swim well also. They are typically found in herds of many females with one male. Usually, a group of males will move to new spots without a leader.
Of the four South American camelids, vicuñas are the smallest and are more delicate than the Guanaco. They are around 91 cm in height at the shoulder and have a typical weight of around 45 kg. They are known particularly for their fine wool which is valuable and considered the highest in quality of the four species. A man's coat can cost around $20,000.
The animal was protected in the time of the Incas and only the royalty could wear garments made from its wool. It was said that vicuñafter accepting the advances of a king who was old and ugly there were reincarnations for a beautiful young girl.