Llamas, a South American member of Camelidae,
the camel family, were domesticated for their
wool and labor some 4,000 years ago in the Andes
mountains of what is now modern Peru, Ecuador
and Bolivia. It is the largest of the four cousin
species including alpacas, guanacos and the smallest,
vicunas.
Vicunas, particularly, have been hunted to
near extinction for their fine wool and now survive
under government protection. These animals have the
peculiar distinction of being able to drink salt water
in their sea level habitats near Tierra del Fuego at
the southern tip of South America.
Mountain Lions
Cougar! Puma! Ghost Cat!
Magnificent Animal! Deadly Predator
The mountain lion has been called all of these,
and more. No animal in California’s recent history
has generated more controversy or been the subject
of more conflicting stories than this majestic,
secretive animal. The mountain lion, Felis Concolor,
is the largest North American member of the cat
family and is the largest pure carnivore in California.
Adult males may grow to almost eight feet in length
and can weigh as much as 200 pounds. Adult females
are usually much smaller, and normally weigh between
75 and 100 pounds. These cats are distinguished by
their tawny color and very long tails. Adults have
no spots but usually have black-tipped ears and tail.
Llamas, a South American member of Camelidae,
the camel family, were domesticated for their
wool and labor some 4,000 years ago in the Andes
mountains of what is now modern Peru, Ecuador
and Bolivia. It is the largest of the four cousin
species including alpacas, guanacos and the smallest,
vicunas.
Vicunas, particularly, have been hunted to
near extinction for their fine wool and now survive
under government protection. These animals have the
peculiar distinction of being able to drink salt water
in their sea level habitats near Tierra del Fuego at
the southern tip of South America.
Cougar! Puma! Ghost Cat!
Magnificent Animal! Deadly Predator
The mountain lion has been called all of these,
and more. No animal in California’s recent history
has generated more controversy or been the subject
of more conflicting stories than this majestic,
secretive animal. The mountain lion, Felis Concolor,
is the largest North American member of the cat
family and is the largest pure carnivore in California.
Adult males may grow to almost eight feet in length
and can weigh as much as 200 pounds. Adult females
are usually much smaller, and normally weigh between
75 and 100 pounds. These cats are distinguished by
their tawny color and very long tails. Adults have
no spots but usually have black-tipped ears and tail.