Information About Alpacas

Here you will find information about alpacas. In addition to their history and origin we will explore the development of the fiber industry in Europe and the introduction of Alpacas in the United States.

The Alpaca is a member of the Camelid family. Camelids include Camels, Llamas, Alpacas, Guanacos and Vicunas. Camelids share several features but vary in size, temperament, and fleece/fiber.

The modern day Alpaca is believed to have originated in South America. They were considered a prize possession of Incan roalty over 5,000 years ago. Articles of Alpaca clothing have been found in ancient tombs.

In the 1500's European explorers found their way to South America. Almost 90% of the Alpaca population was slaughtered by the Spanish Conquistadors. Much of the remaining population was chased into the high barren desert area of the Andes Mountains referred to as the Altiplano.

In the late 1700's to early 1800's the Industrial Revolution hit Europe. Alpaca fleece was imported from South America. The fiber industry was off to a slow start with little information about Alpacas and their fleece.

Thanks to Sir Titus Salt fiber mills started processing this highly desired fiber for British Royalty. Alpaca ranches became popular in South America as fleece production and sales became a valuable export.

In the mid 1980's a huge exportation of Alpacas from South America began. Alpacas were shipped to Australia, Canada, England, Israel, the United States, and New Zealand. These animals first arrived in America in 1984. Importation was unlimited and large numbers of Alpacas arrived on U.S. soil by ship and plane until 1998.

Qualified animals were inspected and provided a pedigree by the Alpaca Registry. In 1998 importation of the Alpaca to the United States was closed. This closure provided a limited resource for future breeders thus preserving the value of the animal in the U.S.

Today, Alpaca farms and ranches are in every state. The majority of Alpacas reside in Coastal States. Interior States also have Alpaca farms/ranches but they are more limited in size and resources.

The links below provide you with more information about Alpacas and their evolution. Camelids explores the Camelid species. South America tracks the history of the Alpaca in Chile, Bolivia and Peru. Europe takes a special look at the introduction of the Alpaca fleece industry. The Registry link talks about Alpaca pedigree and registration in the United States.

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