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Comparative Camelid Facts
Camel n. A quadruped (the Splaypes Humpidorsus) of great value to the show business. There are two kinds of camels--the camel proper and the camel improper. It is the latter that is always exhibited.
Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary
Comparative Physical Facts
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Old World Camelids | New World Camelids | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bactrian Camel | Dromedary Camel | Alpacas | Guanaco | Llama | Vicuña | |
|
Life Span (years) |
20 - 30 | 40 - 50 | 15 - 25 | |
15 - 25 | 15 - 20a |
| Height (Inches at Shoulder) |
85 b | 68 - 80 | 34 - 49 | 44 - 48 | 40 - 45 | 39 - 43 |
| Weight (pounds) |
1000 - 1100 | 650 - 1400 | 110 - 145 | 260 - 310 | 260 - 450 | 75 - 145 |
| Average Gestation (in days) |
390 | 450 | 330 | |
350 | 330 - 350 |
Notes:
a - In the wild. In captivity, Vicuñas are known to live up to 24 years.
b - Height for Bactrian Camel is at the hump.
