Main Characteristics

Guanacos are camelids that are native to South America. They have a body length between 0.9 and 2.1 m (3 - 7 ft), a tail length between 24 and 27 cms (9.5 - 10.5 inches) and they weigh between 96 and 130 kgs (210 - 290 lbs).

They are pale to dark brown in colour with a pale chest, belly and inner legs. Their head is grey and they have large eyes and small, straight ears.

Habitat

Guanacos can be found in the arid, mountainous regions of South America. They prefer grasslands but can also be found in scrub and forested areas at altitudes up to 4,000 m (13,123 ft).

Typically they live in family groups consisting of a male and 4 - 7 females with young. As the youngsters mature they leave the group and young males form bachelor bands, where as old males tend to lead a solitary lifestyle.

Diet

Guanacos feed on grasses, shrubs, lichens and fungi.

Predators

Mountain lions are the main predators of Guanacos.

Subspecies

There are no subspecies of Guanaco.

Interesting Facts

Young Guanacos are called chulengos.

Guanaco is pronounced "gwa NAH ko"

Similar Animals

Vicuña
Llama
Alpaca
Bactrian Camel
Dromedary Camel