Today, the two branches of the Camel Family live on two different
continents. Camels (Dromedary and Bactrian) live in the deserts of
Eurasia. Llamas (Llama, Alpaca, Guanaco, and Vicuña) live in the high
Andes Mountains of South America. The Camel Family (Camelidae)
started in North America 40 million years ago. Some migrated to the
high dry mountains of South America, while the rest migrated to the dry
deserts of Asia.
Because of Camelids' remarkable ability to live in semi-arid areas,
people domesticated Dromedary (one-humped) Camel, Llama, and Alpaca for
food, shelter, clothing, and transportation. Many things make Camelids
special. They can digest tough grasses and convert the grass to energy
more efficiently than Sheep or Cows. Moreover, being the only Mammal
with oval red blood corpuscles helps Camelids to thrive under harsh
conditions. (Their blood helps them to breathe more efficiently.) Their
large pads on the soles of their feet give Camelids traction on rocky
and sandy soil. Camelids' tough, leathery footpads are broad enough to
prevent Them from sinking in sand or snow.
Camelids have been in service to people for thousands of years. In
Arabia, Dromedary Camel has provided transportation for people and their
belongings.
The Bedouins wove his wooly fleece into clothes and blankets. The Incas
of South America raised Llamas to be their pack animals, and Alpacas
for their wool.
Camelids are highly regarded by the people they serve. The Bedouins call Dromedary Camel, “Ata Allah”
(God’s Gift). The Incas called Alpaca a gift from Mama Pacha, the
Earth Mother--a gift loaned to humans for as long as They were properly
cared for.
The Camel Family has been long known for their partnership with
people. Learn cooperation and partnership from the Camel Family. Just
do not resort to spitting to express yourself, as various Camelids are
apt to do.
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