IUCN status: Least concern
Vicugna vicugna
Vicuña are a South American camelid which live in the high alpine areas of the Andes. They are related to Llamas and it is widely believed that vicuña are the wild ancestor of domesticated alpacas. Vicuñas live in family-based groups made up of a male, five to 15 females, and their young. Each group has its own territory of about 18 km2, which can fluctuate depending on the availability of food.
Mating usually occurs in March–April, and after a gestation period of about 11 months, the female gives birth to a single fawn, which is nursed for about 10 months. The fawn becomes independent at about 12 to 18 months old. Young males form bachelor groups and the young females search for a sorority to join.
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