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This article discusses the archaeological implications of the discovery of the highland species Hippocamelus antisensis (Cervidae) and Vicugna vicugna (Camelidae) in two coastal contexts in the Atacama Desert (20°S, Chile). H. antisensis is currently distributed throughout the Peruvian Andes, northern Chile, western Bolivia and northwestern Argentina, between 1800 and 5500 m above sea level. V. vicugna is distributed throughout northern Peru and northwestern Argentina, in environments that exceed 3200 m above sea level. The archaeological record of deer antlers on the Atacama coast has previously been documented at the Caleta Huelén‐42 site (21°S). In the case of V. vicugna, fibers have been recovered only at the coastal site of Camarones‐14 (19°S). A dating of 4180 ± 20 year BP obtained from V. vicugna bone and indirect dating of the antlers suggest an early social exchange between groups from coastal regions and those from the Atacama Desert Mountain range, as well as encourage to the potential record of remains/products of these animals in areas far from their natural habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces Alquist 5.0, our SocialBot that was designed for the Alexa Prize SocialBot Grand Challenge 5. Building upon previous iterations, we present the integration of our novel neural response generator (NRG) Barista within a hybrid architecture that combines traditional predefined dialogues with advanced neural response generation. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the current state-of-the-art NRGs and large language models (LLMs), leveraging these insights to enhance Barista's capabilities. A key focus of our development was in ensuring the safety of our chatbot and implementing robust measures to prevent profanity and inappropriate content. Additionally, we incorporated a new search engine to improve information retrieval and response accuracy. Expanding the capabilities of our system, we designed Alquist 5.0 to accommodate multimodal devices, utilizing APL templates enriched with custom features to deliver an outstanding conversational experience complemented by an excellent user interface. This paper offers detailed insights into the development of Alquist 5.0, which effectively addresses evolving user demands while preserving its empathetic and knowledgeable conversational prowess across a wide range of topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of animal space use is fundamental to effective conservation and management of wildlife populations and habitats in a rapidly changing world, yet many species remain poorly described. Such is the case for the spatial ecology of the Vicuña-a medium-sized wild camelid that plays a critical role, both as a consumer and as prey, in the high Andean food web. We studied patterns of space use of 24 adult female vicuñas from April 2014 to February 2017 at the southern edge of its range. Vicuñas showed strong fidelity to their home range locations across the study period and shared large portions of their home ranges with vicuñas from other family groups. Vicuña home ranges in our study were considerably larger than previous estimates across the range of the species. Variation in environmental and terrain factors and the associated risk of predation affected vicuña diel migration distance but not home range size or overlap. Our study offers new ecological insights into vicuña space use that can inform conservation and management efforts of vicuñas and other social ungulates.

Abstract Sarcoptic mange or scabies is a contagious parasitic skin disease that affects a wide range of domestic and wildlife species. A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence, molecular identification, and characteristics of sarcoptic mange in vicuñas. A total of 3,274 vicuñas were examined. Following ritual harvesting events (“chaccus”) in 13 Andean communities. The presence of mange mites was determined by the skin scraping technique and confirmed by PCR analysis using specific primers for the ITS2 gene of Sarcoptes scabiei. The presence of mange mites was also confirmed by microscopy using samples taken from wallows. A data collection form was used to register the characteristics of the vicuñas sampled. The prevalence of sarcoptic mange was 4.9% (95% CI: 4.1 - 5.6%). All samples from wallows tested positive (9/9). Importantly, the presence of the species S. scabiei was molecularly confirmed. Adult females with regular body condition were more susceptible to sarcoptic mange, although the lesions were mild. This study confirms the presence of S. scabiei in semi-captive vicuñas and points to the possible role of wallows in the dissemination of Sarcoptes mites.

This paper explores the concept of Decentralized Autonomous Society through the lens of Large Language Models focusing on the transformative potential of integrating these technologies. The paper on the role of Large Language Models based agents in providing a versatile, responsive, and contextually intelligent resource within a Decentralized Autonomous Society, fostering intellectual exploration, assisting in complex tasks, and aiding real-time problem solving. One delves into their integration with Decentralized Autonomous Society infrastructures, including robotic and automated systems. While promising, the integration of Large Language Models and their agents into a Decentralized Autonomous Society poses several challenges, including infrastructure and connectivity limitations, information accuracy, artificial intelligence bias, privacy and data security, and ethical concerns. This paper critically discusses these issues and proposes potential solutions. Through the lens of the Decentralized Autonomous Society construct, the paper considers the future possibilities and implications of artificial intelligence, where self-sustaining, digitally-empowered communities leverage artificial intelligence as a cornerstone of their collective intelligence.

On August 29, 1846, Peruvian president Ramón Castilla issued a decree honoring Juan Pablo Cabrera, an interim priest from the Macusani district of Puno. The decree recognized the priest's long-standing endeavor to cross the wild vicuña with the domesticated alpaca. The exquisite quality of the fiber and the tractable nature of this new hybrid animal gave rise to the hope that it might become a valuable resource, and therefore Peru was indebted to the priest and his service on behalf of the young republic. This essay examines Cabrera's venture, the creation of the paco-vicuña, and its emergence onto the national and international scene in the 1840s. Cabrera's paco-vicuña endeavor highlights the importance of local ventures, knowledge, and expertise, and shows how these were deeply entangled in contemporary intellectual and political projects, especially those concerning mestizaje and nation formation, as well as international scientific and economic interests of the time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The known chigger fauna of Argentina comprises 17 species organized in the families Trombiculidae (10) and Leeuwenhoekiidae (7). The present study describes a new species of Eutrombicula with drawings, phase contrast microscopy images, and SEM images. This chigger was collected parasitizing a vicuna in Abra Pampa City, Jujuy Province. It is the first time a chigger from Argentina has been collected from the family Camelidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the morphological and morphometric characteristics of the vicuña sperm (Vicugna vicugna), looking for possible subpopulations in its structure. Semen was collected by electroejaculation method from three adult male vicuñas weighing 50.33 ± 2.52 kg, once per animal. The volume, color and concentration, sperm morphology and morphometry were determined. The samples for the analysis of sperm morphology and morphometry were stained with Hemacolor®, and analyzed using the CASA-Morph, Integrated Semen Analysis System (ISAS®v1). Five forms of the vicuña sperm head were distinguished: normal, piriform, long, short and rounded. The morphometric parameters determined were the length, width, area, perimeter, ellipticity, elongation, regularity and rugosity of the vicuña sperm head, percentage of acrosome, head gray level, as well as the width, area, distance and angle of insertion of midpiece of the sperm. In relation to morphology, significant differences (P 0.05). The morphometric variables were distributed in four main components (PCA) called elongation, area, circularity and midpiece width, which explained 84.59% of the total variance. The cluster analysis determined five subpopulations (SP): SP1 grouped small cells of low length, width and area (18.8%); SP2 of sperm of large size, both in area and width of the head (17.38%); SP3 of rounded cells with high values of percentage of acrosome and head gray level (24.04%); SP4 of spermatozoa of intermediate size and elongated, with greater ellipticities and elongation (23.61%); and SP5 of cells of intermediate size and short, with low values of area and length (16.71%).

Sarcoptic mange is a disease caused by an infectious parasite in the vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) from South America. Although molecular studies have provided much information about the epidemiology of this disease, this information is still unknown in vicuñas. This study determined the prevalence and molecular characterization of Sarcoptes scabiei from vicuñas from Southern Peruvian Andes. During the 2018 shearing season, 181 vicuñas were clinically evaluated for lesions compatible with mange. Sarcoptes scabiei was detected in 35 (19.3%) vicuñas, and 50 mites from 25 vicuñas were selected for molecular analyses of the mitochondrial (cox1) and nuclear (ITS2) genetic markers. Molecular analyses of the cox1 and ITS2 sequences showed an identity of 94–99% and 99.8–100% with previous S. scabiei sequences registered in the GenBank, respectively. Sequence polymorphisms were more evident in the ITS2 than in the cox1, but only the cox1 had an association with the host. Phylogenetic analysis of S. scabiei cox1 sequences from vicuñas showed a cluster with S. scabiei cox1 sequences from canids, suggesting that the origin of S. scabiei from vicuña is associated with canid mites. This research is the first molecular analysis of S. scabiei from vicuñas. Future molecular studies will be necessary to determine the species variety, geographic segregation and host–parasite adaptation for this vicuña's mite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Este trabajo analiza el conjunto arqueofaunístico del Alero 12 de la formación rocosa Las Grutas (Tinogasta, Catamarca) para dar cuenta de las actividades humanas vinculadas a los animales que se desarrollaron durante su ocupación. Así, se propone que los grupos humanos que usaron el alero hace ca. 590 años AP lo hicieron de manera temporal. Allí, desarrollaron actividades pastoriles y de caza de animales silvestres, fundamentalmente vicuñas, aunque no se descarta el de aves y roedores. Mientras ciertas partes esqueletarias de Camelidae fueron consumidas in situ, otras fueron transportadas para su consumo diferido, almacenamiento y/o intercambio. Si bien el Alero 12 presenta un fechado que coincide con la ocupación incaica de la región y se encuentra próximo al sitio San Francisco Inca –vinculado a eventos festivos promovidos por el incario–, su uso no se relaciona con prácticas imperiales. En este sentido, se propone que quienes utilizaron el alero fueron integrantes de las sociedades agropastoriles de la región que desarrollaron actividades de caza-pastoreo por fuera del control incaico.

The nutritional value, whey protein, and the fatty acid (FA) composition of milk from four South American camelids (SAC) (vicuna, Vicugna vicugna (Molina, 1782); alpaca, Vicugna pacos (Linnaeus, 1758); guanaco, Lama guanicoe (Muller, 1776); llama, Lama glama (Linnaeus, 1758)) were evaluated and compared with milk from old-world camelids. Samples were collected from healthy animals from the northwest (llama, alpaca, and vicuna) and Patagonia (guanaco) areas of Argentina. Gross composition of milk from SAC showed a higher protein, lactose, and lipid content than camel milk. Serum albumin and [alpha]-lactalbumin were the dominant whey proteins, followed by immunoglobulin G (IgG). The FA profile showed from 4:0 to 24:0 FA, with a high level of conjugated fatty acid (CLA; 1.05-1.64 g/100 g of FAME) and its precursor, vaccenic acid. Desaturase activity of C16 and CLA was quite similar between species but was significantly different for C14. Camelid milk showed a lower atherogenicity index than ruminant milk. This is the first time that a comparative study involving four species of SAC was carried out to contribute to the general knowledge of the physiology of new-world camelids. Their milk was determined to be of high nutritional quality, allowing it to be considered an alternative food item for humans in the semi-arid region of South America. Key words: vicuna, Vicugna vicugna, guanaco, Lama guanicoe, llama, Lama glama, alpaca, Vicugna pacos, milk composition, fatty acids. La valeur nutritive et la composition des proteines du lactoserum et des acides gras (AG) du lait des quatre camelides sud-americains (CSA) (la vigogne, Vicugna vicugna (Molina, 1782); l'alpaga, Vicugna pacos (Linnaeus, 1758); le guanaco, Lama guanicoe (Muller, 1776); le lama, Lama glama (Linnaeus, 1758)) ont ete evaluees et comparees a celles de camelides de l'ancien monde. Des echantillons ont ete preleves d'animaux sains des regions argentines du nord-ouest (lama, alpaga et vigogne) et de la Patagonie (guanaco). La composition brute du lait des CSA presente de plus fortes teneurs en proteines, en lactose et en lipide que le lait de chameau. L'albumine et l'[alpha]-lactalbumine sont les proteines dominantes du lactoserum, suivies de l'immunoglobuline G (IgG). Le profil d'AG contient des AG allant de4:0 a 24:0, avec une forte proportion d'acide gras conjugue (ALC; 1,05-1,64 g/100 g EMAG) et son precurseur, l'acide vaccenique. L'activite de la desaturase pour l'acide gras C16 et l'ALC est tres semblable d'une espece a l'autre, mais significativement differente en ce qui concerne le C14. Le lait de camelides presente un indice d'atherogenicite plus faible que le lait de ruminants. Cette premiere etude comparative portant sur les quatre especes de CSA contribue a accroitre les connaissances generales sur la physiologie des camelides du nouveau monde. Il est ainsi etabli que leur lait est de haute qualite nutritive, de sorte qu'il pourrait constituer un aliment prometteur pour les humains dans les regions semi-arides de l'Amerique du Sud. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles: vigogne, Vicugna vicugna, guanaco, Lama guanicoe, lama, Lama glama, alpaga, Vicugna pacos, composition du lait, acides gras., Introduction Camelids are classified within the order Artiodactyla, suborder Tylopoda, and family Camelidae; they include the old-world and the new-world camelids, which are subdivided at the tribe level into Lamini [...]

Patterns of selection in South American camelids (Lamini) and their unique demographic history establish the llama and alpaca as remarkable cases of domestication among large herd animals. Skull shape is implicated in many changes reported between wild and domestic taxa. We apply 3D geometric morphometric methods to describe skull shape, form, and size, differences among the four species of Lamini. In so doing, we test if domesticated Lamini exhibit changes similar to those in other domesticated groups: not only in the skull, but also in brain and body size. In contrast to other domesticated artiodactyls, very little change has occurred in domestic alpacas and llamas compared to their wild counterparts. Nevertheless, their differences are statistically significant and include a flatter cranium, inclined palate and increased airorhynchy in the domestics. Selection pressures that contrast with those on other herd animals, as well as recent population bottlenecks, likely have influenced the morphological patterns we note in Lamini. High-resolution 3D morphospace allows skull size, shape, and form (shape + size), to discriminate all four species, with form providing the greatest separation. These results help differentiate morphologically the Lamini, which in nature are distinguished mainly by body size, and provide an additional tool to archaeologists for distinction of wild and domestic remains. Most of our shape analyses suggest a marginally closer relationship between the alpaca and vicuña, to the exclusion of the guanaco, supporting the genetic relationships for this group. The expected brain size change between wild and domestic populations is lower than previously thought, with a 15.4% reduction in llama, and 6.8% reduction in alpaca. This is the lowest reduction in brain size thus far reported among domesticated Artiodactyla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Members of the genus Sarcocystis (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) are intracellular protozoan parasites that infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals, resulting in economic losses in production animals worldwide. Sarcocystis spp. have indirect life-cycles where canids and felids serve as main definitive hosts while a range of domestic and wild animals serve as intermediate hosts, including South American camelids (SACs) such as alpacas, llamas and guanacos. These animals primarily occur in South American countries on Andean, elevated plains but in recent years, alpacas and llamas have become emerging animal industries in other parts of the world such as Australia, Europe and the USA due to their high-quality fiber, meat and hides. For instance, alpaca meat is becoming popular in many parts of the world due to its lower cholesterol content than other red meat, thereby it has the potential of a valuable product for both local and international markets. However, SAC meat can be degraded and/or even condemned due to the presence of macroscopic sarcocysts in skeletal muscles, leading to significant economic losses to farmers. The infection is generally asymptomatic, though highly pathogenic or even fatal Sarcocystis infections have also been reported in alpacas and llamas. Despite the economic importance of sarcocystosis in SACs, little is known about the life-cycle of parasites involved, disease transmission, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, control and public health significance. This review article provides an in-depth analysis of the existing knowledge on the taxonomy, epidemiology, clinicopathology and diagnosis of Sarcocystis in SACs, highlights knowledge gaps and proposes future areas of research that could contribute to our better understanding of sarcocystosis in these animals.

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Increasing production of animal fibres has increased the need for a portable instrument that measures fibre diameter and associated characteristics with precision and accuracy. This research evaluated a new portable fibre tester (PFT) by measuring the diameter and related characteristics of tops and scoured fibres of wool, alpaca, and vicuña. The PFT was constructed with integrated mechanical, optical, electronic, and informatic components. Textile tops of sheep wool, alpaca fibres, and mohair goat fibres were used as standard references to calibrate the PFT and determine its accuracy and precision. The results were compared with those from a wool industry standard instrument (OFDA2000) that uses similar technology. The PFT had high accuracy (-0.01, -0.12, and -0.01 µm) for average fibre diameter (AFD) of wool, alpaca, and mohair fibres, respectively. Deviations of standard tops (ST) were within industry-accepted tolerance ranges. Standard errors, indicating precision, were low, ranging from 0.07 to 0.25 µm, 0.02 to 0.44 µm, and 0.09 to 0.024 µm, for wool, alpaca, and mohair fibre tops, respectively. The correlations of measurements of AFD from the two instruments were 0.99 for wool, alpaca, and mohair fibres, but lower for vicuña fibres (0.82). No evidence of bias was observed. Therefore, the PFT may be used as an alternative instrument for measuring fibre diameter and quantifying variation in diameter of wool, mohair, and alpaca fibres. The PFT has appeal for use in the field for practical animal selection and fleece classification based on fibre characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines national efforts to protect wildlife in the twentieth century. Its focus is the vicuña, a small llama-like species native to the Andes, which nearly went extinct due to the high economic value of its wool. Instead, the Peruvian national government—despite significant regime shifts—intervened to put in place and then perpetuate a series of conservation measures, including trade restrictions and a territorial reserve, that protected the population and allowed it to rebound. Using a combination of cultural, economic, political, and biological methods to understand the animals and people concerned about them, this article argues that conservation reoriented relationships among people and wild animals. Cultural affinities led to ethical claims about the animal's value as well as utilitarian arguments about its potential economic worth for community and economic development. Moreover, the vicuña themselves shaped both the landscapes and the conservation programs with their biological habits. Saving the vicuña proved to be a complex social process that challenged facile assumptions about past environmental actions of politically volatile, economically marginalized, and socially divided nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of different cutaneous areas of mature vicuñas (V. vicugna) were studied microscopically. Thickness of skin, annexed glands and pileous follicles were considered. Follicular groups were of variable siza according to area and contained a greater quantity of follicles in back skin than the flanks. There were also main and secondary follicles within the follicular groups

The vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) is the most representative wild ungulate of the high Andes of South America with two recognized morphological subspecies, V. v. mensalis in the north and V. v. vicugna in the south of its distribution. Current vicuña population size (460,000–520,000 animals) is the result of population recovery programs established in response to 500 years of overexploitation. Despite the vicuña’s ecosystemic, economic and social importance, studies about their genetic variation and history are limited and geographically restricted. Here, we present a comprehensive assessment of the genetic diversity of vicuña based on samples collected throughout its distribution range corresponding to eleven localities in Peru and five in Chile representing V. v. mensalis, plus four localities each in Argentina and Chile representing V. v. vicugna. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite markers show contrasting results regarding differentiation between the two vicuña types with mitochondrial haplotypes supporting subspecies differentiation, albeit with only a few mutational steps separating the two subspecies. In contrast, microsatellite markers show that vicuña genetic variation is best explained as an isolation by distance pattern where populations on opposite ends of the distribution present different allelic compositions, but the intermediate populations present a variety of alleles shared by both extreme forms. Demographic characterization of the species evidenced a simultaneous and strong reduction in the effective population size in all localities supporting the existence of a unique, large ancestral population (effective size ∼50,000 individuals) as recently as the mid-Holocene. Furthermore, the genetic variation observed across all localities is better explained by a model of gene flow interconnecting them rather than only by genetic drift. Consequently, we propose space “continuous” Management Units for vicuña as populations exhibit differentiation by distance and spatial autocorrelation linked to sex biased dispersal instead of population fragmentation or geographical barriers across the distribution.

Vicuna is a wild, endangered species of Andean camelid living in the hyperarid Andean plateau. In the central part of the plateau, the Lithium Triangle defines a zone with lithium‐rich salt pans. Brine pools naturally form within the salt pans, and the adaptation strategy of vicuna consists of drinking from brine pools. Together with reporting the first chemical data on vicuna bones and teeth, we analyzed lithium, boron, and arsenic in water and brines, with the aim of assessing their relation to chronic exposure by water ingestion. We collected and analyzed bones of vicuna specimens lying in an Andean salt pan, together with brine and water samples. Brine and water samples are highly saline and contain large amounts of lithium, boron, and arsenic. Lithium (13.50–40 mg kg–1) and boron (40–46.80 mg kg–1), but not arsenic, were found in the vicuna bones and teeth. Based on our results and on previously reported data on human tissues in the Andes, we conducted statistical assessments of the relationships between lithium and boron in body tissues and water samples, and discuss their environmental significance in the context of the Lithium Triangle. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;39:200–209. © 2019 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An initial survey of total mercury (THg) in vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) was made atlocalities with gold mining activity in the north-west of the department of La Paz, Bolivia, during chakus in the wild, between October and November 2018. We obtained 14 blood samples in five locations in Apolobamba, La Paz, Bolivia. Sampling locations, sex and age of vicuña were compared, using one-way ANOVA. Blood samples showed between 0.10 - 0.15 µg/l THg. No significant differences were found (p > 0.05) in the variables studied. We recommend evaluating mercury in environments, and methyl-mercury in vicuña, cattle and carnivorous fish for better mining management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research proposes an optimal medication purchasing policy for the Drugstore of the Department of Health of Vicuña (DESAM) for patients with chronic diseases of higher prevalence. Harris-Wilson's economic order quantity model was used to find the optimal shopping point that minimizes storage and order costs. Of the 54 medications used for the pathologies of chronic patients, seven were analyzed, covering 71% of the demand. The results indicate that the costs of the proposed new policy for DESAM can save a little more than Ch$10 million (US$16.400). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) is the most representative wild ungulate of the high Andes of South America with two recognized morphological subspecies, V. v. mensalis in the north and V. v. vicugna in the south of its distribution. Current vicuña population size (460,000–520,000 animals) is the result of population recovery programs established in response to 500 years of overexploitation. Despite the vicuña's ecosystemic, economic and social importance, studies about their genetic variation and history are limited and geographically restricted. Here, we present a comprehensive assessment of the genetic diversity of vicuña based on samples collected throughout its distribution range corresponding to eleven localities in Peru and five in Chile representing V. v. mensalis , plus four localities each in Argentina and Chile representing V. v. vicugna. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite markers show contrasting results regarding differentiation between the two vicuña types with mitochondrial haplotypes supporting subspecies differentiation, albeit with only a few mutational steps separating the two subspecies. In contrast, microsatellite markers show that vicuña genetic variation is best explained as an isolation by distance pattern where populations on opposite ends of the distribution present different allelic compositions, but the intermediate populations present a variety of alleles shared by both extreme forms. Demographic characterization of the species evidenced a simultaneous and strong reduction in the effective population size in all localities supporting the existence of a unique, large ancestral population (effective size ∼50,000 individuals) as recently as the mid-Holocene. Furthermore, the genetic variation observed across all localities is better explained by a model of gene flow interconnecting them rather than only by genetic drift. Consequently, we propose space "continuous" Management Units for vicuña as populations exhibit differentiation by distance and spatial autocorrelation linked to sex biased dispersal instead of population fragmentation or geographical barriers across the distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The landscape of fear is an important driver of prey space use. However, prey can navigate the landscape of fear by exploiting temporal refuges from predation risk. We hypothesized that diel patterns of predator and prey movement and space use would be inversely correlated due to temporal constraints on predator habitat domain. Specifically, we evaluated habitat selection and activity of the vicuña and its only predator, the puma, during three diel periods: day, dawn/dusk, and night. Pumas selected the same habitats regardless of diel period—vegetated and rugged areas that feature stalking cover for pumas—but increased their activity levels during dawn/dusk and night when they benefit from reduced detection by prey. Vicuñas avoided areas selected by pumas and reduced activity at night, but selected vegetated areas and increased activity by day and dawn/dusk. Vicuña habitat selection and movement strategies appeared to reduce the risk of encountering pumas; movement rates of pumas and vicuñas were negatively correlated across the diel cycle, and habitat selection was negatively correlated during dawn/dusk and night. Our study shows that an ambush predator's temporal activity and space use patterns interact to create diel refugia and shape the antipredator behaviors of its prey. Importantly, it is likely the very nature of ambush predators' static habitat specificity that makes predator activity important to temporally varying perceptions of risk. Prey which depend on risky habitats for foraging appear to mitigate risk by feeding when they can more easily detect predators and when predators are least active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The domestication of wild vicuña and guanaco by early pre-Inca cultures is an iconic example of wildlife management and domestication in the Americas. Although domestic llamas and alpacas were clearly selected for key, yet distinct, phenotypic traits, the relative patterns and direction of selection and domestication have not been confirmed using genetic approaches. However, the detailed archaeological records from the region suggest that domestication was a process carried out under significant control and planning, which would have facilitated coordinated and thus extremely effective selective pressure to achieve and maintain desired phenotypic traits. Here we link patterns of sequence variation in two well-characterised genes coding for colour variation in vertebrates and interpret the results in the context of domestication in guanacos and vicuñas. We hypothesise that colour variation in wild populations of guanacos and vicunas were strongly selected against. In contrast, variation in coat colour variation in alpaca was strongly selected for and became rapidly fixed in alpacas. In contrast, coat colour variants in llamas were of less economic value, and thus were under less selective pressure. We report for the first time the full sequence of MC1R and 3 exons of ASIP in 171 wild specimens from throughout their distribution and which represented a range of commonly observed colour patterns. We found a significant difference in the number of non-synonymous substitutions, but not synonymous substitutions among wild and domestics species. The genetic variation in MC1R and ASIP did not differentiate alpaca from llama due to the high degree of reciprocal introgression, but the combination of 11 substitutions are sufficient to distinguish domestic from wild animals. Although there is gene flow among domestic and wild species, most of the non-synonymous variation in MC1R and ASIP was not observed in wild species, presumably because these substitutions and the associated colour phenotypes are not effectively transmitted back into wild populations. Therefore, this set of substitutions unequivocally differentiates wild from domestic animals, which will have important practical application in forensic cases involving the poaching of wild vicuñas and guanacos. These markers will also assist in identifying and studying archaeological remains pre- and post-domestication.

Background: An infestation of bot fly larvae causes myiasis which is known to cause respiratory symptoms in ruminants. There are reports of bot fly larvae in llamas, but to our knowledge there are no previous reports of nasal myiasis due to bot flies in alpacas (“Vicugna pacos”). Case presentation: The following case report describes a neutered male alpaca showing sneezing and mild nasal discharge. Endoscopic examination of the upper respiratory tract revealed bot fly larvae in one nostril. After treatment with doramectin, there was no evidence of living bot fly larvae visible in the nostril. Conclusion: Bot fly larvae should be considered as a potential cause of respiratory symptoms in alpacas. In the present case, a treatment with doramectin was successful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The domestication of wild vicuña and guanaco by early pre-Inca cultures is an iconic example of wildlife management and domestication in the Americas. Although domestic llamas and alpacas were clearly selected for key, yet distinct, phenotypic traits, the relative patterns and direction of selection and domestication have not been confirmed using genetic approaches. However, the detailed archaeological records from the region suggest that domestication was a process carried out under significant control and planning, which would have facilitated coordinated and thus extremely effective selective pressure to achieve and maintain desired phenotypic traits. Here we link patterns of sequence variation in two well-characterised genes coding for colour variation in vertebrates and interpret the results in the context of domestication in guanacos and vicuñas. We hypothesise that colour variation in wild populations of guanacos and vicunas were strongly selected against. In contrast, variation in coat colour variation in alpaca was strongly selected for and became rapidly fixed in alpacas. In contrast, coat colour variants in llamas were of less economic value, and thus were under less selective pressure. We report for the first time the full sequence of MC1R and 3 exons of ASIP in 171 wild specimens from throughout their distribution and which represented a range of commonly observed colour patterns. We found a significant difference in the number of non-synonymous substitutions, but not synonymous substitutions among wild and domestics species. The genetic variation in MC1R and ASIP did not differentiate alpaca from llama due to the high degree of reciprocal introgression, but the combination of 11 substitutions are sufficient to distinguish domestic from wild animals. Although there is gene flow among domestic and wild species, most of the non-synonymous variation in MC1R and ASIP was not observed in wild species, presumably because these substitutions and the associated colour phenotypes are not effectively transmitted back into wild populations. Therefore, this set of substitutions unequivocally differentiates wild from domestic animals, which will have important practical application in forensic cases involving the poaching of wild vicuñas and guanacos. These markers will also assist in identifying and studying archaeological remains pre- and post-domestication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, very limited information is available on the growth of alpacas (Vicugna pacos) . The aim of this study was to describe the growth of alpacas with percentile curves and to generate an equation for precise estimating the body weight using a body height, length or circumference. 162 alpacas, ranging in age from a few days to 36 months, were measured over a period of twelve months. Every two weeks five different body parameters and the body weight were recorded. The resulting percentile curves describe the development of body weight, height at withers, height in the hip and length of the trunk of up to three year old alpacas. No significant differences in the development of the skeleton were determined between males and females as well as the two subspecies Huacaya and Suri (P > 0.01). As in other species, the thoracic circumference is a reliable parameter for estimating the body weight. The equation based on to the model of a cubic function allows a very accurate prediction of the body weight (R 2 = 0.97). The results provide new data about the growth pattern of alpacas. Based on the data guidelines concerning the growth of alpacas were created for veterinarians, alpaca owners and breeders. They supply a solid basis for recommendation in feeding and management of reproduction. Using the percentile curves, a reliable prediction of growth and conclusions regarding the age of an alpaca are possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of wild vicuñas can trigger a stress response that may compromise welfare. In Santa Catalina, Jujuy Province, Argentina, indices of short-term stress associated with capture, handling, and shearing were studied in 105 wild vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna). The study included 2 groups (n = 59 and n = 46) of wild vicuñas captured in 2 consecutive days. Independent variables analyzed included sex, restraint time, and groups. Cortisol, creatine kinase, glucose, white blood cells, temperature, heart rate, and respiratory frequency were higher than published values. Respiratory rate increased during handling and correlated with holding time and group size, while heart rate decreased. Packed cell volume was higher in females. Cortisol concentrations differed between restraint groups and sex and inversely correlated with agonistic behavior. The most common behavior was increased vigilance. Sternal recumbency increased over holding time. During handling procedures, frequency of sudden movements like kicking and attempts to stand increased as restraint time increased. Females vocalized more than males. In conclusion, the methods used triggered measurable changes suggestive of short-term stress that appeared to be physiologically tolerated by the vicuñas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), identifies chemical bands related to chemical bonds including amino acid groups. The potential for FTIR to differentiate animal fibres from different origins was investigated using cashmere (Chinese, Australian, Iranian), wool (Chinese, Australian), bison wool, qiviut from Musk-ox, vicuña and guard hairs present in these raw fibre samples. Cashmere from a controlled nutrition experiment with known amino acid composition was included in the study. While the intensity of FTIR spectra were moderately correlated with the content of some of the amino acids in cashmere, this investigation did not detect any significant systematic effects of nutritional manipulation of cashmere goats on the FTIR spectra of their cashmere. Significant differences were detected in the intensity of FTIR spectra between cashmere and wool, cashmere from different origins, white and coloured cashmere, and between cashmere and hair. The FTIR spectra of cashmere and wool overlapped with those of bison, qiviut and vicuña. The intensity of FTIR spectra were not correlated with the mean fibre diameter of samples but the intensity of most spectra bands were positively correlated with the fibre curvature of the samples (r = 0.27-0.38). Based on these results it does not seem likely that FTIR spectra offer a reliable method to distinguish between pure cashmere and blends of cashmere with wool or other animal fibre for diagnostic tests to determine the fibre composition in finished textiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vicuña is a high Andean wild camelid that lives year-long in groups. We analyzed the social organization of 98 marked vicuñas after capture and live shearing, focusing on group composition, spatial patterns, territoriality and habitat use. The social units analyzed were families, bachelor groups and solo animals. Location fixes of 54 males and 36 females were registered over a 2-year period, and home range was estimated. All females belonged to family groups, and 8-12 month yearlings changed their home ranges prior to first reproduction at 2 years. Female yearlings dispersed to a new family group, while male yearlings dispersed to a bachelor group. Solitary males appeared during the interval between leaving bachelor or family groups, and vice versa. Our study showed that vicuña polygyny was based on female grazing area requirements. Females that stayed with the same males were defined as loyal, and had a mean 18.9 ha home range. Females that changed both to a different family and male; and grazed over the same home range size, were considered disloyal. Family groups selected the habitat that had a low stratum and the highest coverage of palatable plants, while bachelors used their habitat randomly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A primary hypothesis for the evolution of mandibular symphyseal fusion in some mammals is that it functions to resist loads incurred during routine mastication. Anecdotal support for this hypothesis is based on the fact that when the symphysis fuses, it typically does so early during postnatal ontogeny prior to or around the time of weaning. However, little is known about the process of fusion, particularly relative to feeding behaviors and the dynamics of mastication, including occlusion and masticatory loading. In the present study, we investigate the timing and process of symphyseal fusion in alpacas ( Vicugna pacos ) in the context of maturation of the oral apparatus and oral behavior. We also report on in vivo strains from the symphysis and corpus in young alpacas prior to and following full fusion and M 1 occlusion. Results show that fusion begins rostrally by 1 month and is complete by 6–7 months whereas all deciduous premolars and M 1 come into occlusion by 6 months. Although symphyseal loading patterns are maintained throughout ontogeny, in young alpacas symphyseal strain magnitudes are low compared with adults but corpus strain magnitudes are comparable to those found in adults. Reduced symphyseal loading in young individuals is contrary to what might be predicted given that the symphysis is still fusing. When considered in light of the development of occlusion and rumination, strain magnitudes may be necessarily low and reflect an overall delay in the maturation of masticatory dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]