It has been thousands of years since camels and lamas interacted with humans, though on completely opposite sides of the globe. Camel is typically associated with the desert in the Sahara, whereas llamas are commonly associated with “spitting” animals living in South America. They’re not inaccurate, but they’re not entirely accurate. Their similarities and even their relationship make them a perfect match! Compared to camels, what is the difference between llamas and camels?
The 5 Key Differences Between LLamas and Camels
Humans use llamas and camels for a variety of purposes. The differences between the two are their habitats, range,, and ecological adaptations.
Since the last ice age, North American llamas went extinct, so llamas originated from South America. A mountainous region or open plain is their preferred habitat, but they may also live on farms. There are camel populations in North Africa, the Middle East, as well as in Asia and India. Deserts, scrublands, and arid environments are the best habitats for this rare species.
A llama’s foot is incredibly sure-footed due to its soft, sensitive bottom, so it happens less damage to its habitat as a consequence. In addition, their blood contains a higher concentration of hemoglobin to help them adapt to the high altitudes at which they can live. Adaptations are one of the most famous features of camels. To prevent the animals from sinking in sand, they have large, flat feet, thick top fur to protect them from the sun, and a hump to help them retain heat.
Read More Wood Roach vs Cockroach
Here are some other differences, plus some more, to explore in detail.
Llama Vs Camel: Habitat
There are llamas in South America that live in high mountain ranges. Among the places they prefer are those between 7,550 and 13,120 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains. It is preferred that llamas roam on high plateaus where there are shrubs and stunted trees, as well as some grasses. Despite their hardiness, they are able to cope with a wide variety of weather conditions.
There is another way in which camels are hardy. Desert survivors have made their claim to be some of the best desert survivors of all time because they are adapted to the harsh desert environments of the world. Camels are suited to living in hot and cold climates and prefer deserts, prairies, and steppes. Although many people think camels only live in hot climates, they survive a variety of temperatures from 20 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Llama Vs Camel: Distribution
A common ancestor brought llamas and camels together, but they now live in different regions. South America’s Andes region is home to lamas. Thousands of years have passed since wild llamas lived in Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. Farmers now use llamas almost everywhere in the world since they have become relevant to them.
North Africa, the Middle East, and Western Asia were the native ranges of camels. In northwestern China and Mongolia, only a small number of wild camels live (wild Bactrian camels). The world’s wild camel population is likely less than 1000. Wild camels still exist in many countries, including America and Australia, but feral and domesticated camels still exist throughout the world.
Llama Vs Camel: Size
In South America, llamas rank second or third in terms of size after tapirs. Their average weight is between 280-450 pounds and their height is about 4 feet. Their size is much smaller than camels, despite being in the same family.
Three species of camels are found in the Camelidae, all of which are bigger than llamas. There are several species of camel, including the Bactrian camel which weighs up to 2,200 pounds, and the Arabian camel which weighs up to 1,320 pounds.
Read More Basset Hound vs Bloodhound
Llama Vs Camel: Feet
The feet of camelids are not adapted to become hooves like those of lamas and camels. Llamas have two toes on each foot. Each has a small nail. The native wildlife is not harmed by their sensitivity or ability to climb tough terrain. In the world, llamas are among the most sure-footed animals due to their sensitive feet.
There are no hooves on camels either. For walking on shifting sand, they have a wide, flat foot. They can traverse environments where other animals would find it impossible due to the fused toe bones.
Llama Vs Camel: Adaptations
Llamas also adapt to their environment in the following ways:
-
At high elevations, hemoglobin is increased to oxygenate the blood
-
Bite-resistant fur
-
Spitting ability
-
A 40 mph speed is possible
Camels have also adapted to their environment in the following ways:
-
Sun protection provided by thick top fur
-
In terms of urination and perspiration, there is little to no water loss
-
Sand is protected by double eyelashes and specialized nostrils
-
Loss of heat is assisted by localized fat stores
Llama Vs Camel: Use as pack animals
During their respective eras, camels and llamas were very useful pack animals. Incan peoples domesticated llamas 5,000 years ago for use as pack animals. Long-distance travel requires 18-20% of a person’s weight (and shorter distances require larger percentages). As well as being a durable pack animal, they are also perfectly adapted to mountain life due to their sure-footedness.
The Old World was connected by camels, which allowed goods to be transported. Despite desert and sand environments, camels are capable of carrying between 400-600 pounds. Due to the harsh environments along the Silk Road, cross-continental trade unlikely would have been possible without camels.
Read More Elk Vs Reindeer
