South American Camelids

ABA, M.A.; BIANCHI, C.P.; CAVILLA, M.V.

Behavior of Exotic Pet

Wiley-Blackwell

Lugar: Oxford, United Kindom; Año: 2010; p. 157 - 167

The chapter South American Camelids In Behavior of Pet Animals by Valarie V. Tynes describes the main aspect of the behavior of wild and domestic camelids. Specifically, it comments the origin of the Camelidae family and the process of domestication than llamas and alpacas suffered during the time. Also, it describes the social activity of Camelids reporting the characteristic of the actual habitats where camelids are found. The main features of Camelids way of communications (visual, auditory and chemical signals) and regarding body care are also specified. A special section explains the major characteristics of their reproductive behavior and physiology and of their maternal behavior. Camelids are very social species thus intra and inter-species behaviors are compiled specifying the relationship with humans. Also, some recommendations to be taken during handling and restraint of these species are described. Lastly wild and domestic camelids food preferences and some aspects of their way of locomotion are commented.