The wool made from the fur of this camel species is even more precious than the already expensive Cashmere goat wool.
Compared to regular camels, the Vicuña is incredibly adorable and graceful. Notably, its wool can be woven into fabric just like sheep’s wool. Furthermore, this fabric is extremely rare, and even today, it is at least five times more expensive than other quality fabrics.
If you’re wondering why this animal is so precious, the answer lies in its fur. Vicuña wool is harvested from the fur of this highly endangered animal, which is the most expensive wool in the world.
The Andes mountains are famous for their harsh conditions, poor nutrition, and erratic temperatures, which can be warm during the day but extremely cold at night. The existence of the Vicuña in this environment is seen as a miracle, partially due to the valuable wool they possess.
The National Symbol of Peru
In the past, only the Inca nobility (a Native American tribe in South America) were allowed to wear Vicuña wool cloaks. It was so precious that it was referred to as “golden fleece.”
The Vicuña has the scientific name Vicugna vicugna and lives only in the high-altitude regions of the Andes. It has a small body, large innocent eyes like a deer, and golden fur. Visually, the Vicuña is extremely graceful and elegant.
The Vicuña has a super adorable appearance.
In Peru, the country where the Andes with the Vicuña habitat are located, this animal is regarded as a national symbol, and its image is printed on the national flag, coat of arms, and coins.
Currently, there are about 2 million Vicuñas in Peru.
Soft Fur, Thin Fibers, and Excellent Insulation
During the Inca Empire, the Vicuña was considered a sacred animal. Killing it was prohibited, and its wool was only used to weave garments for royalty.
Despite its delicate appearance, the Vicuña is not a weak species.
Despite its graceful appearance, the Vicuña is not a weak species. Living in the harsh high Andes mountains, it develops a significant number of red blood cells to enhance oxygen utilization.
The digestive system of the Vicuña is also remarkably robust. It can grind tough, dry grass with ease. However, the most noteworthy aspect is the Vicuña’s fur. It consists of soft, fluffy fibers that provide excellent insulation.
The thick, soft wool of the Vicuña.
We all know that most wool products have static properties, but Vicuña wool does not. Each fiber is only 12-14 microns thick, while Cashmere goat fibers are nearly 19 microns thick, and sheep wool can be as thick as 25 microns.
In the textile industry, the thinner the natural fiber, the more valuable it is. Additionally, Vicuña wool grows extremely slowly, making it even rarer. At least, the “golden fleece” is five times more expensive than Cashmere goat wool.
If it only provided aesthetic value, that would not be enough. Let’s compare Vicuña wool with Cashmere wool, one of the famous wools sourced from Cashmere goats living in the Himalayas.
Cashmere wool is over ten times heavier than Vicuña wool. Moreover, Vicuña wool does not react to chemical dye powders, thus retaining its natural color, creating uniqueness and enhancing the value of the item.
“It is the harsh nature that has created a perfect Vicuña,” said biologist Santiago Paredes Guerrero. “Its wool is indeed the finest natural fiber on Earth.“ he added.
In the textile industry, the thinner the natural fiber, the more valuable it is.
A Tragic History of Mass Slaughter
Because of the reputation of “golden fleece”, for centuries after the fall of the Inca Empire, Vicuñas were hunted to the brink of extinction.
Previously, during the Inca period, Vicuña wool was harvested only every four years, and each time it was done according to the solemn Chaccu ceremony. However, in 1532, when the Inca were invaded by Spain, the invaders frantically hunted the Vicuña population for their coveted wool. From then until the mid-20th century, Vicuñas were continuously killed with firearms.
European and American nobility competed to flaunt “golden fleece” coats, viewing them as a symbol of aristocratic value. The more they sought “golden fleece”, the more Vicuñas were slaughtered, resulting in fewer than 10,000 remaining.
Challenges in Conservation and Glorious Restoration
Determined not to lose this precious species, in 1967, Peru decided to create the first Vicuña reserve covering 16,000 acres in Lucanas. By 1975, they imposed a ban on the export of Vicuña wool products.
Today, Vicuñas frolic again in the high mountains of the Andes.
Unfortunately, the black market is willing to pay up to 1,000 dollars (approximately 23.3 million VND) for 1 kg of “golden fleece.” Poachers continue to disregard the law, while law enforcement is overwhelmed by the vast area that needs patrolling. Consequently, the Vicuña population continues to decline steeply.
To combat poaching, Peru changed its strategy. They distributed the remaining Vicuñas to farmers for care, allowing them to shear the wool for sale. Quickly, these poor households transformed their lives by selling Vicuña wool. Faced with this evident “livelihood”, the local people fiercely resisted poachers.
Today, Vicuñas are again frolicking in the high mountains of the Andes, peering with their youthful eyes and wagging their short tails. The hard times have passed, and they thrive amidst the vast Peruvian sun and wind.
