New Zealand Introduced Animals > Llama

Llama

Domesticated Livestock – Camelid – Rare Breed

ORIGIN: South America. Llama are one of the oldest domesticated animals in the world, dating back over 6000 years. Bred by the Incas and other "Indian" tribes in the Andes, llama were used as beasts of burden (though never ridden) and could carry up to forty-five kilograms. They also provided meat, milk, wool, and dried dung for fuel.

BREED DISCRIPTION: Llama are tall upstanding animals with cloven hooves. They come in a variety of colours both solid and in combination.

USE IN NEW ZEALAND: Barnard Rhodes was the first to import Llama to New Zealand in 1865. Since then small shipments have arrived. Llama are ideal for milk and wool production as well as being great companion animals.

GENERAL: Today there are around 250 in New Zealand. These are kept primarily for the production of fiber. Although closely related to the Alpaca, the Llama are larger and their fibre is coarser. Llama is pronounced – Yama in Latin America.


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