MNN - Mother Nature Network

Alpacas in the buff

 

Fluffy face

A backlit alpaca named Wigeon waits to be judged at the British Alpaca Futurity Show being on March 11, 2011 at Warwickshire's Stoneleigh Park in Coventry, England.

 

Alpaca fur is one of the most desirable fibers on the market. Not only is it extremely soft and breathable, it's also flame-resistant, water-resistant, hypo-allergenic and comes in a wide range of natural hues. Alpaca hair also happens to be one of the most expensive fibers, but considering its benefits, the price is well worth it for people with allergies or knitting enthusiasts who are really into premium fiber goods.

 

Ancient ungulates

A young Peruvian girl rests with her baby alpaca named Carmelo near Colca Canyon, Peru on May 6, 2009.

 

There is no such thing as a wild alpaca because they were domesticated several thousands of years ago by the Moche people of northern Peru. During the reign of the Inca empire, alpacas played several vital roles for the Andean people, including food, fuel, clothing and transportation. Because of their tremendous value, the Incan government strictly controlled their use, which allowed alpacas to flourish and reach populations of tens of millions of individuals.

 

Vicugna pacos

Alpacas graze on a pasture on Dec. 12, 2007 near the village of Pickmere, Knutsford, England.

 

It wasn't until the 1980s that South American countries started allowing the exportation of alpacas to other countries. Since then, hundreds of thousands of alpacas can be found on farms all across the globe.