Guanacos

These llama like cameloids are flourishing in the Chacabuco Valley or Patagonia, Chile where sheep farming is no longer competing for the grasses.

The guanacos keep a community order that is fascinating to watch. Each member of the herd has a role. One of the males becomes the “sentinel”  on the lookout for predators, usually from a hilltop. The mature females give birth every other year. The mothers stays with the baby while aunts and uncles bring up the adolscents. The younger males argue with each other as to which one is the strongest in mock fights and serious chases. As the season progresses, the arguments become life changing – one will dominate the herd and the other male will be kicked out of the group to find his own way….these wandering guanacos are known as “the bachelors”.