Name

Llama

Scientific Name

Lama glama

Characteristics

Llamas have long eyelashes and a third eyelid (a nictitating membrane) to keep out the sand. Their ears are long and slightly curved inward, characteristically known as ‘banana’ shaped.

Llamas are very sociable animals and enjoy the companionship of their own kind. They are very intelligent and can be trained to pull carts and carry packs. Consequently, they are often kept as pack animals in their home continent of South America.

Llamas are also very strong and are capable of carrying about 80kg over long distances.  

Diet

Llamas are herbivores. They mostly eat grass, leaves and stems.

Size Fact

Full-grown, full-sized llamas can grow to 1.8 meters tall.

Food Fact

A llama’s stomach has three compartments! This is to help them to absorb the nutrients from the food they eat.

Fun Fact

Llamas’ spit is mostly made up of the mucus from their stomachs!

IUCN Red list

Llamas are not currently an endangered species. They are not currently threatened by habitat loss.

Where do I live?

Llamas are a domesticated species; they originate from the mountains of South America.