Llama: High-Altitude Travelers

Llamas (Lama glama), domesticated relatives of wild guanacos, are adapted to the rugged terrain of the Andes Mountains. While they do not migrate in the wild, their ancestral guanacos undertake seasonal movements to find grazing lands at different altitudes. During the dry season, guanacos descend to lower valleys where vegetation is more abundant. In the wet season, they return to higher altitudes to take advantage of the lush grasslands.

Llamas, managed by humans, often mimic these patterns in pastoral systems. Herds are moved seasonally between high-altitude summer pastures and lower winter grazing areas. These movements have been a cornerstone of traditional Andean agriculture, showcasing the deep connection between humans and animals in adapting to seasonal changes.