The Times, Alpaca 'bouncers' and Highgrove

26 June 2008

Many people have been talking about The Times article that announced that Highgrove and Duchy Organics had introduced four alpacas to the rarebreeds flock to reduce predation of lambs. Thus far Prince Charles' estate would seem to be very happy with the results as no lambs have let been lost this year. However, since this was published I hear endless conversations and comments both by the public and shows, and in internet forums making out that the alpaca is the bad guy in all this.

Alpacas are neither fierce nor aggressive. The are used as guard animals to move foxes out of field by physically challenging them. Only in extreme circumstances, those of which we have not witnessed or found evidence of in 11 years of breeding, would an alpaca attempt to 'kick' the fox. When a fox enters our maternity paddock (closest to the house) the 'alpha-female' will send up the alarm call: a high pitched squeaking noise that is somewhat unsettling. The herd will then turn and look at the fox, acutely aware of its presence in their field. Only if the fox continues to advance towards the herd will the alpacas then move towards the fox. At this point, sensing behaviour very unlike that of a flock of sheep the fox will usually turn heels and retreat. If for reasons of desperation the fox, or in deed a trespassing dog, decided to challenge the alpacas and stand its ground, there is a chance that the alpacas will stamp in front of the 'predator', defending the herd.

Our furry friends shouldn't be getting bad press about protecting their young from harm. They are inherently timid and gentle animals, not the angry fighting 'bouncers' they have been made out to be.