The Guanaco is a camelid native to South America and
is an endangered species. The color varies very little, ranging from a light
brown to dark cinnamon and shading to white underneath. Guanacos have grey
faces and small straight ears. They are extremely striking with their large,
alert brown eyes, streamlined form, and energetic pace.
Guanacos are one of the largest wild mammal species found in South
America. They have only one natural predator, the mountain lion. To
protect its neck from harm, the guanaco has developed thicker skin on its neck,
a trait still found in its domestic counterparts, the llama and alpaca, and its
wild cousin, the vicuña.
Guanaco fiber is particularly prized for its soft warm feel and is found in
luxury fabric. The guanaco's soft wool is second only to that of the
vicuña. Like their domestic descendant, the llama, the guanaco is double
coated with a coarse guard hair and soft undercoat, and is finer than the best
cashmere.
