The population of vicuñas in the national reserve of Pampa Galeras, located in the Peruvian Andes, increased tenfold in the last half-century, from 500 to 5,000 animals, informed the National Service of Protected Natural Areas (Sernanp).
“Pampa Galeras is located in the southern Andean region of Ayacucho and has been established as a protected natural area since 1967 when the population of this wild type of camelid was in critical condition due to poaching”, explained El Comercio.
This camelid is closely related to the llamas and alpacas and consist of the national symbol of Peru, said the aforementioned media. They also produce a very fine wool that has a high value since it can only be removed once every three years.
“The increase in the number of vicuñas allowed to repopulate other zones bordering the national reserve until reaching a figure of 5,278”, El Comercio said.
The farmers collect about 1,300 kilos of fiber in their community, which reports a direct income of 2 million soles (about $600,000 US dollars), at a rate of 1,500 soles (about $450 US dollars) approximately for each kilogram of fiber.
(Source)
(Cover Photo Wikimedia)
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