Subject: Llama, Lama glama

Location: Below Volcán Chimborazo, Ecuador

Stock Number: 08-29810

Comments: Members of the family Camelidae first arose in North America, but today no camelids survive on that continent.

In South America, on the other hand, there are several representatives of the family, including the Vicuña, the Guanaco, and the domesticated Llama.

For centuries llamas in South America have served as beasts of burden, and also as a source of fine wool. Today there are more than five million llamas living in South America, primarily in the Andean regions.

Related image: A wild relative of the llama, Vicuñas. Photo taken near the site of the above llama photo:

Related images: Our Mammals image gallery has more photographs from Latin America, Canada, and the U.S.