Vicuña

Vicugna vicugna

The vicuña’s coat is one of the finest animal fibres in the world: its soft undercoat is only about 12 micrometres thick. It protects the vicuña from the cold temperatures of the high Andes. By way of comparison, human hair is about 4 to 8 times thicker.

Red List

Least Concern

Breeding programme

Vicuñas are sure-footed walkers which, thanks to their sharp claws and flexible toes, can move safely even on steep slopes.

Male alpha males are territorial and defend their territory. They mark the boundaries of their territory by creating communal dung piles.

Vicuñas are heavily hunted because of the demand for their fine wool. Thanks to strict conservation measures, their numbers have recovered somewhat since 1975.

Taxonomy

Camelidae, Vicugna (2 species)

Habitat

scree slopes and grasslands at altitudes of 3,500 to 5,500 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, Vicugna (2 species)

Habitat

scree slopes and grasslands at altitudes of 3,500 to 5,500 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

Vicuña for CHF 500.–

Become a godparent

Godparent

Support the animals of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Vicuña for CHF 500.–

Become a godparent

Tierstimme

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