"Llamas appear to have originated from the central plains of North America about 40 million years ago. They migrated to South America and Asia about 3 million years ago. By the end of the last ice age (10,000–12,000 years ago) camelids were extinct in North America. As of 2007, there were over 7 million llamas and alpacas in South America and, due to importation from South America in the late 20th century, there are now over 100,000 llamas and 6,500–7,000 alpacas in the US and Canada." From Wikipedia.
Tags: Alberta Canada Cochrane Wildlife Reserve NW of Calgary nature Panasonic DMC-FZ18 Panasonic FZ18 FZ18 annkelliott farm ranch animal Llama P1030444 FZ18 AnimalPlanet
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Two days ago, I took part in the Cochrane Reserve 2007 Christmas Bird Count. This is north-west of the city. We also stop and visit various farms/ranches in the area and talk with the owners about what species of birds they see on their land. Lots of very friendly, helpful people! This and another Llama live on one of the farms. Did you know that they have a bad habit of spitting? There are too many Llamas in Alberta now and people find that they are unable to sell them. They are useful, though, in helping to keep Coyotes away from the farm animals.
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It was so hilarious when we noticed three of these Llamas and a white horse in a field out on the prairies, on the way to Brooks (to search for Snowy Owls). We pulled over (so that I could take a photo or two) and this smaller Llama and another came over towards where I was standing. This white-faced one seemed curious and fascinated to see me and kept wanting to get nearer to the fence. However, the horse, for some reason, didn't want it to come in my direction and kept trying to move it away. I don't know if the horse was trying (in its own mind) to "protect" the Llama. I can't help but chuckle when I look at the "smile" and expression on this creature's face, LOL.
"Many livestock owners have witnessed favorable experiences as a result of llamas in the pasture with other livestock. Llamas seem to have an instinctive guarding responsibility when placed within a herd of sheep, goats, or other livestock - especially a species smaller than themselves.
Although no method is 100% effective against all predators, the combination of proper fencing, guard dogs, and/or guard llamas has greatly reduced losses. Llamas have proven very effective in areas with coyote problems, but obviously a more difficult situation would arise in areas with bears, cougars, or wild packs of dogs." From www.shagbarkridge.com/guards.html.
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This was one of the Llamas on a ranch in the Cochrane Wildlife Preserve/Water Valley, where we conducted a Christmas Bird Count on 29th December. Farmers sometimes keep a Llama on their property to keep away the Coyotes. Just look at those gorgeous eyelashes : )
"Llamas appear to have originated from the central plains of North America about 40 million years ago. They migrated to South America and Asia about 3 million years ago. By the end of the last ice age (10,000–12,000 years ago) camelids were extinct in North America. As of 2007, there were over 7 million llamas and alpacas in South America and, due to importation from South America in the late 20th century, there are now over 100,000 llamas and 6,500–7,000 alpacas in the US and Canada." From Wikipedia.
Tags: Alberta Canada southern Alberta Christmas Bird Count nature farm field animal domesticated Llama outdoor head shot winter seasons snow image photograph digital square square crop Panasonic DMC-FZ28 FZ28 Lumix point-and-shoot P1320612 FZ28 annkelliott beautiful_expression Feels Good Explore interestingness#133 explore2010January8 © Anne Elliott 2009 © All Rights Reserved
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I have to admit that one of my favourite things to see on a Christmas Bird Count are the Llamas at one of the farms that we call in at when we do the Cochrane Wildlife Reserve Count, to see what birds are hanging around. I thought this one had rather nice coloured markings. We only found a total of 15 species of bird yesterday, which apparently is alarming. Other years, we have seen as many as 18 species at just the one place belonging to the Myra family. It was a beautiful day, though with a strong wind.
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