Question: Difference between camelid species

I have both llamas and alpacas and just adore the camelid species.  Can you explain to me what the difference between Alpacas, Vicunas, and Guanacos are? Are the later two available in this country? Any information or direction to such would be appreciated

Answer:

A good and simple explanation of the differences between the camelid species can be found at http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/pubs/llama.htm

There are about 60 guanacoes in the USA and a very few vicunas in private ownership. Vicunas are protected as an endangered species, guanacoes are tightly regulated from exportation. Chile has programs trying to increase
guanacos as a farmed livestock. Argentina is actively researching ways to increase vicuna numbers.

See: http://www.fauna-australis.puc.cl/

David E Anderson, DVM, MS, DACVS