Llamas (Lama glama) have been used as beasts of burden in South America for at least 5000 years but, as road building increased in the Andes, the llama population in the mountain areas declined. Now these graceful herbivores have become very fashionable pack animals in the more affluent north and can be found in increasing numbers carrying everything from tourists' camping gear to golfers' clubs. They are extremely vocal, with a wide range of recognized sounds, and they can spit when annoyed.
They are used as sentries, guarding sheep against dogs and coyotes, and are farmed for their superior-quality wool, which is much in demand.