Guanaco

Problematic: The guanaco is a wild species and is found from northern Peru (Department of La Libertad) to southern Chile and Argentina, with a small town in the Chaco of Bolivia. The total worldwide population reaches more than 500,000 heads, most of them in Argentina.

Population: In Peru, the guanaco is an ENDANGERED SPECIES, with a population not exceeding 5,000 copies, making it urgent to develop strategies for protection and enhancement of its population. You can then think of its use.

History and Habitat: In pre-Hispanic times the guanaco population was much greater, and even today there are cities that do honor to his name, like Huanuco. The guanaco lives from sea level to 3,800 m, is a typical migrant who visit the western slopes of the Andes, during the summer, when they, thanks to the rains are abundant in pastures, and also reaches the coastal hills between June and September, when they turn green vegetation due to the action of mists. Today, migration routes have been cut by guanaco roads and towns, and now only go to few places, such as hills and those of Chaparra Atiquipa.

Potential: Fiber: from 18 to 24 microns in diameter, but with abundant bristles, which involves a process of dehairing. With the fine fiber is possible to make fine fabrics. Leather offers an interesting potential for the tanning and leather processing, and has a high tensile strength. Meat: it is wild-type, low in fat, which promotes human health. Also, being wild, not receive vaccines, medications or other veterinary supplies, and so their meat has excellent potential as a "natural or organic meat," well accepted in world markets. Genetic material: it is of interest to cross-fire and get some special features for its fine fiber.

Opportunities: Andean Trade Preference Agreement - ATPA, which allows entry of fine fibers camelid U.S. market free of tariffs.