The vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) is one of two wild South American camelids. Vicuñas live at an altitude of 3,200 to 4,800 metres. In these areas, only nutrient-poor, tough bunch grasses and Festuca grow. The sun’s rays are able to penetrate the thin atmosphere producing relatively warm temperatures during the day; however, the temperatures drop down to freezing at night. The vicuña’s thick but soft coat is a special adaptation which traps layers of warm air close to its body so it can tolerate freezing temperatures.

by donsabas