The camelids originated on the central plains of North America about 40 million years ago. From there, about three million years ago, llama-like animals dispersed to South America. Llamas were domesticated from guanacos in the Andean Highlands of Peru 4,000-5,000 years ago, and are among the oldest domestic animals in the world. Primarily a beast of burden, they also provide native herdsmen with meat, fiber for clothing, hides for shelter and manure pellets for fuel. Frequently Asked Questions.
Llamas are intelligent and easy to train.
In just a few repetitions they will pick up and retain many behaviors such as accepting a halter, being led, loading in and out of a vehicle, pulling a cart or carrying a pack. Many llamas are excellent packers. This, and their ability to browse, give the llama an impact on the environment equivalent to a large deer. Llamas are a modified ruminant with a three-compartment stomach. They chew their cud like cattle and sheep.