Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Vicugna

Vicugna

9.9
A group of South American animals in the camel family like the vicuña and the alpaca
  • noun
  • /vɪˈkuːnjə/
  • Specialized
: vicuña
  • The Vicugna genus includes both the vicuña and the alpaca.

Examples

  • The Vicugna genus includes both the vicuña and the alpaca, which are valued for their soft fleece.

  • Scientists studied the habitat of animals belonging to the Vicugna genus in the Andes.

  • Fur trade regulations protect members of the Vicugna genus from overexploitation.

  • The Vicugna is known for its fine wool.

  • Did you know that Vicugnas are native to South America?

  • Fur trade regulations protect members of the Vicugna genus from overexploitation and ensure their survival in the wild.

  • Scientists studied the habitat of animals belonging to the Vicugna genus in the Andes to understand their ecological needs.

Surface Forms

Vicugna singular
Vicugnas plural

Etymology

Vicugna comes from a Quechua word wik'uña from the Andes that meant 'small, wild camel-like animal'. So Vicugna is the scientific name for the group that includes the vicuña and the alpaca, which helps you remember it refers to those South American camel-family mammals.