Guanako (Lama guanicoe) im Zoo Zürich

Guanaco

Lama guanicoe

The guanaco is the ancestral form of the Domestic llama. It is perfectly adapted to life at altitudes of up to 4,000 metres above sea level.

LC

Red List
Least Concern

The guanaco’s red blood cells can bind an exceptionally large amount of oxygen. Furthermore, these animals can go without water for long periods and can even tolerate brackish and salt water. This enables them to survive their long migrations through semi-deserts. Guanacos are not only fast runners, but also excellent swimmers.

Like vicuñas, guanacos also mark their territory with dung piles, although only the dominant males do so.

Taxonomy

Camelidae, genus Lama (2 species)

Habitat

grasslands and semi-deserts from sea level up to 4,000 metres above sea level.

Behaviour and ecology

diurnal, territorial

Social structure

small harem groups, young males in small groups, older males also living as solitary individuals

Taxonomy

Camelidae, genus Lama (2 species)

Habitat

grasslands and semi-deserts from sea level up to 4,000 metres above sea level.

Behaviour and ecology

diurnal, territorial

Social structure

small harem groups, young males in small groups, older males also living as solitary individuals

Godparent

Support the animals of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Guanaco for CHF 500.–

Become a godparent

Godparent

Support the animals of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Guanaco for CHF 500.–

Become a godparent

Tierstimme

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