1.14 Skeletons of various prehistoric camelids removed from the La Brea tar pits in Los Angeles, California. Scientists have discovered an incomplete fossil record.
Domestic Bactrian camels had spread north into southern Russia by 1700–1200 BCE. and were in western Siberia by the tenth century BCE. Bactrian camels were used in China as early as 300 BCE. as the original Silk Route camels but were later replaced by crossbreeds of the dromedary and Bactrian camels [4].
Domestication of the dromedary occurred prior to 3000 BCE. in the Arabian peninsula. The term “dromedary” is derived from dromos (Greek for road) and thus is only directly applicable to the riding or racing dromedary camel. However, dromedary is the name used throughout the world for this species, which existed in historic times only as a domesticated animal. Dromedaries were first associated with nomadic Semitic cultures and did not become important until the rise of the Arabian culture [4].
Dromedaries were reintroduced into North Africa in the third century BCE. More were brought into Egypt during the Roman period, after the third century CE., but became important domestic animals only with the Moslem conquests of Egypt in the seventh to eleventh centuries CE.
Figure 1.15 Native distribution of camels in Africa and Asia.
Figure 1.16 Historic and current distribution of SAC in South America.
Table 1.5 Approximate number of years that certain animals have been domesticated.
| Reindeer | 14 000 | Llama and alpaca | 6000–7000 |
| Dog | 12 000–15 000 | Horse | 5500 |
| Goat | 11 500 | Dromedary camel | 5000 |
| Sheep | 11 000 | Bactrian camel | 4500 |
| Cattle | 9000 | Asian elephant | 4000 |
| Pig | 9000 | Cat | 3000–4000 |
South American Camelids – Llamas and Alpacas
The cradle of llama domestication is the Andean puna (elevation 4000–4900 m), probably around Lake Titicaca, at approximately 5000–4000 BCE. Alpaca domestication probably occurred elsewhere, perhaps near Telarmachay. Alpaca‐type incisors have been found in middens at Telarmachay, dated at 4000–3500 BCE. [8, 31, 32]. Once domesticated, llama and alpaca herding economies spread beyond the limits of the puna and became important in the economy of the Andean people from sea level to high mountain elevations [32, 33].
The Inca empire was dependent upon the llama and alpaca for food, fuel, clothing, transport of goods (the wheel was not introduced to South America before the conquest), and religious ceremonies. All SACs were the property of the government, and production of domestic species was rigidly controlled. The maximum numbers and broadest distribution of SACs developed under Inca rule. After the Spanish invasion of 1532, and the introduction of European breeds of livestock, numbers and distribution of SACs declined. Invaders did not recognize the unique adaptations of these species for this environment and considered them an unimportant component of the life of this region. However, llamas and alpacas survived because they are essential to Andean culture. Only in the last several decades have these animals been recognized as a valuable resource and efforts made to research their unique physiology and adaptation to hostile environments. They are the most reliable source of food, fiber, and fuel in the high, cool Andean environment. SAC ownership is the primary source of wealth for indigenous people [8, 32]. Currently, llamas and alpacas are raised by traditional pastoralists. Additional historical information is found in earlier editions of this text.
In the nineteenth century, SACs were exported to other countries from South America as zoo animals. Peru enacted legislation in 1843 prohibiting the export of live alpacas. Approximately 90 years ago, all of the Andean countries banded together to prevent exploitation of SACs by other countries. No legal exportations occurred from then until the 1980s, when the ban was lifted from alpacas and llamas [17, 34].
North American llamas have expanded from the small population imported from South America prior to 1930 and a few animals that had been imported from other countries. Current numbers of North American llamas are estimated to be between 100 000 and 120 000, and alpacas are thought to number more than 150 000 [35]. Sporadic importation of llamas and alpacas from Chile into the United States began in 1984 after the U.S. government periodically recognized Chile as free of foot‐and‐mouth disease. Importations have also originated in Bolivia and Peru, but these must meet special quarantine protocols for animals deriving from countries where foot‐and‐mouth disease is endemic. A few animals have been imported by England, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia.
Uses of Camelids
Camels are an important part of the culture of the nomadic peoples of Asia and the Middle East, supplying food (meat and milk), fuel (the fecal pellets), fiber (clothing, ropes), leather, transportation (packing, riding; Figure 1.17), and racing. Special breeds of dromedaries were developed for riding and became important in the mobilization of military expeditions. Camels are also used for draft purposes, pulling plows and wagons (Figure 1.18). Camels were used heavily in Australia prior to the development of modern vehicles for packing and pulling heavy and awkward items into the Outback. The feral camels of Australia are descendants of escapees. Camels also were used in the United States as part of a military experiment in the hot, desert environment of the Southwest. The Camel Corps was soon disbanded for various reasons.
Camel racing has become a popular sport in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates (Figure 1.19). Adult female camels over seven years of age are generally used for major racing. Male camels are less easily managed. Younger camels may participate in short races but the major races are 4–10 km.
The camels are ridden by lightweight jockeys (formerly by children) sitting behind the hump. They are now sometimes ridden by mechanical robot jockeys. The camels move out at a gallop and may reach speeds up to 40.32 kph (25.05 mph) for the first 2 km. Then, they settle down to a fast pace at an average speed of 32.4 kph (20.1 mph).
Camels may change gaits (pace to gallop, and vice versa) during the course of the race, much like the flying change of leads in a galloping horse. The camel gallop is slightly faster than the pace and is often used in the dash to the finish line. Wagering (betting) is not allowed in Muslim cultures, but prizes are awarded to the race winners.