Figure 1.18 Dromedary camels as draft animals.
Figure 1.19 Racing dromedary camels in the United Arab Emirates.
Figure 1.20 Showing alpacas.
Figure 1.21 Packing llamas on trek (
Source: Photo courtesy of Barb Baker
).
Llamas have a long history of interaction with Andean people, supplying meat, leather, and fiber (garments, blankets, rope, costales [burlap bags]), transporting goods, and serving as sacrificial animals [17]. In North America, llamas fill numerous niches, including, but not limited to, breeding, showing (Figure 1.20), parades, companion animals, packing (Figure 1.21), driving, and fiber (cottage industry). Well‐trained, quiet llamas are ideal for taking to schools and convalescent hospitals and for interacting with emotionally and physically disadvantaged children and adults. Another important niche is the use of llamas to guard sheep and goats from predation by coyotes (Figure 1.22).
Alpacas are the premier fiber‐producing animals in the Altiplano region of the Andes. They are also harvested for meat in South America, and the leather is used to make ropes. The pelts of crias are used to make fine rugs and wall hangings; they are sewn together in intricate patterns and designs. In North America, alpacas serve as companion animals and are used for breeding and showing.
Figure 1.22 Llamas can be used as guard animals to protect smaller, more vulnerable species from predation.
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