Lama guanicoe (Müller, 1776)
Guanaco
Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System
, T Orrell (custodian) in 
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Overview
Biology
Source and Additional Information
The guanaco is flexible in its feeding habits, foraging mainly on grasses and shrubs (2) (3) (9), but also taking lichens, cacti and succulent plants when other food sources are scarce (1) (8). The guanaco is surprisingly graceful in its movements, and is capable of running at speeds of up to 56 kilometres per hour. Its blood is able to carry more oxygen than other mammals, enabling it to function well at high altitudes (2). Groups of up to 30 female guanacos and their young live on feeding territories defended by a single adult male, the boundaries of the territory being marked by communal dung heaps, known as latrines. Young and non-territorial males are found either alone or in all-male groups, although groups of all ages and sexes may form in migratory populations during winter (2) (6) (9). The female guanaco gives birth to a single offspring each year, in spring, after a gestation of 345 to 360 days (2) (3) (9). The long gestation period and the often harsh environment mean that the female has to be ready to mate again within two weeks of giving birth (3). The newborn is able to run and follow the female almost immediately after birth, and remains with the group until around 13 to 15 months old, when it is usually forced out by the adult male (2) (3). Sexual maturity is reached at 12 to 24 months, and captive guanacos may live up to 28 years (2). After leaving the family group, young male guanacos spend three to four years in all-male bachelor groups, practicing fighting skills and competing for dominance with other males, in readiness to challenge territorial males for control of a group of females. Rivals are fought with neck wrestling and chest ramming, often accompanied by a high-pitched scream and low growl (2).
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Last curated:
18 Jun 2009
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Katja Schulz.
Curator.
"Lama guanicoe (Müller, 1776)". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/309017". Accessed
19 Mar 2010.
