peru, incas, The vicuna, close-up photographs

The vicuna, close-up images of a beautiful animal

The vicuña (Vicugna vicugna), Quechua-from wik'uña- is a mammal artiodactyl family of camels and camelids group living in the Andean highlands in northern Argentina, western Bolivia, the Chile northeastern sectors of the Andes in Ecuador, in the Andean highlands of Peru, which has the main population of the species.

A closely related species is the guanaco; while the "flame" is considered the oldest ancestor alpaca. The vicuña produces small amounts of very fine wool, which is expensive because it can be shorn every three years. Garments made from vicuna wool, warm and very soft.

During the reign of the Incas and now, the vicunas are protected by law, but poachers are always a threat. In 1974 it was declared endangered and there was only 6,000 individuas; 350,000 animals currently exist. This increase does not eliminate the need for active protection and conservation in protected areas.

The vicuna is the emblematic animal of Peru and is representing animal wealth in the National Shield of Peru.

I invite you to enjoy the beauty of these magnificent animals in photographic approaches to offspring, young and old enjoying the freedom in their domains.