Species of the week - Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) 🦙 You might have thought that Alpacas (Vicugna pacos) and Llamas (Lama glama) look quite similar and until recently they were thought to be close relatives. Recent genetic studies, however, have found that Alpacas were domesticated from a different species altogether: the Vicuña. Vicuña spend their days in the grasslands of the Andes eating low grasses and endure freezing temperatures in the mountains at night. These beautiful animals are highly treasured for their incredibly soft wool, and in Inca society, this wool was reserved for royalty. Vicuña wool has fine air-filled fibres, giving it insulating properties to make it particularly warm. Learn more about Peruvian wildlife and its deep connection to Peruvian culture in our blockbuster exhibition, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, open now until May 11. Book your tickets here: https://bit.ly/3BDn7vJ 📸: Marshallhenrie, Wikimedia
