CAMELIDS

What are Camelids -Camels - Llamas & Alpacas -Guanacos

WHAT ARE CAMELIDS Camelidae

There are several distinct features of camelids. They have a three chambered stomach, making them different than other types of ruminants having four. Camelids have an upper lip that is split below the nose. Each half can be moved independently. They have long necks and long legs. They have padded feet with two main toes. Camelids need to be in herds, preferably of 3 or more.

They are herbivores and prey animals. They are hunted by larger carnivores. Their defense mechanisms include their herd, stomping, biting with fighting teeth, and spitting. The big question is always - Do they spit? Yes. Unequivocally, yes. However they usually need a good reason, except alpacas, they need no reason.

Types Of Camelids

There are five main types of camelids. Four are native to South America;llamas, alpaca, vicuña, and guanaco. Camels are native to the deserts in China and northern Africa. Camels, llamas, alpacas,and to a more limited degree guanaco have been domesticated and are used as both pets, show animals, and fiber animals. Vicuña remain primarily feral in South America.

Alpacas and Llamas were domesticated in South America and brought into the United States. The alpacas were primarily bred for their fine fiber, initially providing garments for the upper class.

It is easier to make a camel jump a ditch than to make a fool listen to reason. - Turkish

Proverb

Camels

Camels are used for transport, milk, meat, fiber, and companionship. Thereare two types of camels in the world, The dromedary camel makes up 90% of the camel population, however, the bactrian camels are better fiber producers than their one-humped counterparts. The camel's fine, inner down is combed away and collected during the 6–8-week molting season. An adult camel yields about 17 pounds of fleece per year.

Source: (https://www.knittingthe naturalway.c om/camel)

by Amy Bowling

The fine down fiber of the camel averages around 20 microns in diameterand varies in length from 2.5 to 12.5 cm Baby camel hair, which can measure as little as 16 microns (on par with fine cashmere), is the softest and most prized.