Guanaco illustration © Bruce Pearson from the Collins Guide to Rare Mammals of the World.

Guanaco Lama guanicoe

Guanacos look similar to Llamas but are larger with dense woolly fur that is dark-brown and paler underneath. They live in dry regions such as open grassland and shrub land. Like camels, guanacos can survive for long periods without drinking. Grass makes up their main diet although they also browse from trees.They live in family units with their young, which are particularly vulnerable to pumas.

In the past the Guanaco's range was extensive. However this has been dramatically reduced due to hunting pressures and they are now limited to the highlands and foothills of the Andes. The hunting and trading of guanacos has been regulated through national and international law but sadly still continues illegally.

The Guanaco has been classified as lower risk by the IUCN (See IUCN Red List of Threatened Species for more information on the classification of the Guanaco).

Guanaco on the Ranch of Hopes reserve, Patagonia.

Help Protect the Guanaco and Other Wildlife in Patagonia

The World Land Trust project on the Ranch of Hopes Wildlife Refuge in Patagonia safe-guards the coastal steppes, which are an ideal habitat for the guanacos. Please help protect this area by supporting the Patagonia Restoration Fund.

More Information about Guanacos and Their Habitat

• Read more about Patagonia and the rescue of a baby guanaco on WLT's costal steppe reserve here.