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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Emily Middleton

Herd the news? Australian alpaca numbers near 400,000 after baby boom

Australia Peru
Alpacas at Quentin Park
The Australian alpaca herd is on track to reach 400,000 animals, the largest population of alpacas outside of Peru. Photograph: Nicole Drew/Quinton Park Alpacas

Australia has the second-largest alpaca herd in the world behind Peru, but most still view the leggy camelids as the stuff of hobby farms.

Alpacas were introduced to Australia about 25 years ago and were initially primarily used as livestock guardians. Paddocked with sheep, they will kick and chase dogs and foxes that get too close to the lambs.

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