The alpaca is a domesticated semi-tame mammal from the Camelidae family with cloven hooves, and it is native to the high-altitude regions of the Andes Mountains in South America. It resembles a long-necked sheep and is also similar to the smaller llama. Modern genetic studies confirm that it descended from the South American vicuña.

Alpacas are kept in herds that graze in the high-altitude regions of the Andes Mountains in southern Peru, northern Bolivia, Ecuador, and northern Chile, at elevations ranging from 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) to 5,000 meters (16,000 feet) above sea level, throughout the year. Alpacas are smaller than llamas, and unlike llamas, they were not raised to be pack animals but rather for their wool. Alpaca fibers are used to create woven goods resembling wool, including blankets, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves, a wide range of fabrics and cloaks in South America, as well as blouses, socks, coats, and bed covers in other parts of the world. The fibers come in over 52 natural colors as classified in Peru, 12 in Australia, and 16 in the United States.

In the textile industry, “alpaca” primarily refers to the hair of the alpaca in Peru, but it can also refer to a style of fabric originally made from alpaca hair, although now it is often made from similar fibers such as mohair, Icelandic sheep’s wool, or even high-quality English wool. In trade, alpacas are distinguished from various patterns of mohair and luster. The large alpaca reaches lengths between 81-99 cm and typically weighs between 48 and 84 kilograms (106 to 185 pounds).