Vicuna

Vicugna vicugna

Arequipa altiplano, Peru - November 2008

Vicunas are only found on the altiplano above 3500m where, despite having seasonal breeding, they defend territories year-round. There have been many unsuccessful attempts to domesticate Vicuna due to the value of their extremely soft and warm wool. During the reign of the Inca empire, the wool was reserved for royalty and elite members of the court. They are still periodically rounded up and sheared for their valuable wool, but this is highly regulated due to their protected status.

Arequipa altiplano, Peru - November 2008

Arequipa altiplano, Peru - November 2008

Arequipa altiplano, Peru - November 2008