Guanaco (Lama guanicoe) Fact Sheet: Physical Characteristics

Body

• Largest wild mammal in South America (most quite small).
  
• Lighter body and build than camel, but heavier than vicuna.
• Size varies throughout range
• Largest guanacos live in southern Patagonia.
• Smallest live in Peru.
• Backs are straight – no humps.
• Unique feature: walk on pads not hoofs.

Head

• Heads have straight profile.
• No horns or antlers.
• Large eyes with thick lashes.
• Ears are long and pointed.

Pelage and skin

• Color varies with region
  • Light brown, brownish yellow, or brownish red on back and neck
  • White belly, rump and backs of legs
  • Head, ears, and nape of neck are gray
• Very dense, wooly coat - thick guard hairs cover short, fine undercoat
• Thick, tough skin

• Males somewhat larger than females

Soft foot pads under deeply cleft toes

• Toenails rather than hooves.
• Able to move securely on rocky trails and gravel slopes.

Heart

• 15% larger than mammals of comparable size.

Blood adapted to high altitude

• High hemoglobin concentration of blood: large numbers of small, thin erythrocytes

Fowler (1998)
Klingel (1990)
Gonzalez (2006)