The llama is capable of carrying a load weighing 200 lbs at a rate of 16 miles per day over rugged mountain terrain at an elevation of 16,500 ft. The hemoglobin of the Lama has a much greater affinity for oxygen than does that of any other mammal, and the blood contains more red corpuscles. These factors are partly responsible for its ability to function well at high altitudes. In addition to being used for labor, the meat of the llama is used for food, its fleece is woven into clothing, its hide is made into sandals, its fat is used in making candles, its hairs are braided into ropes, and its dried excrement is used as fuel. At the shoulder they stand from just over 3 ft. to 4.5 ft.
Llamas are brown to black, or white, usually irregularly blotched with a darker color.
The body has fairly long, dense, fine wool, and the hair on the head, neck and limbs is shorter than it is elsewhere. Mainly in the Andes mountains at elevations of up to 15000 ft., preferring mainly dry, open country. Found in domestication from southern Peru to northwestern Argentina. Female llamas only give birth once every other year. The young are capable of running with surprising endurance immediately after birth.