258 MAMMALIA. 
Guanaco seu Huanacu, Laet. Nov. Orb. 406, 1633 ; Ovalle, Chili, 
16 Ulloa, Voy. i. 366. t. 24. f.5; Shaw, Zool. ii. 246. t. 169, 
Guianicoes, Hawkesw. Voy. 
Guanaco, Byron, Voy. round the World; Darwin, Zool. Beagle, 
Mamm. 26. . 
Hab. Peruvian Alps; the Pampas and mountains in Chili, Men- 
doza, and Straits of Maghellan. 
Adult. Presented by Sir William Burnett and Capt. Fitzroy, 
a 
Adult. §. America. Presented by Charles Darwin, Esq. 
Half-grown. S. America. 
Osrro.oey, t. 24. f. 1. 
Skeleton. Chili. 
Skull. Chili. From Mr. Bridges’ Collection. 
Two skulls. Chili. 
Skull. From the Zoological Society’s Collection. 
The Guanaco or Wild Llama is the characteristic quadruped 
of the plains of Patagonia; it is very common over the whole of 
the temperate part of the continent, as far south as the islands 
near Cape Horn. It generally lives in small herds, of from half 
a dozen to thirty in each; but on the bank of the St. Cruz we 
saw one herd which must have contained at least 500. They are 
generally wild and extremely wary. If, however, by chance the 
_ sportsman abruptly meet a single animal, or several together, 
they will generally stand motionless and imtensely gaze at him, 
then perhaps move a few yards, turn round and look again. 
They are curious; for if a person lies on the ground and plays 
strange antics, such as throwing up his feet in the air, they will 
almost always approach by degrees to reconnoitre him: this ar- 
tifice has the advantage of allowing several shots to be fired, 
which are all taken as part of the performance. On the moun- 
tains of Tierra de Fuego, I have more than once seen a Guanaco 
on being approached not only neigh and squeal, but prance and 
leap about in the most ridiculous manner, apparently im defiance 
as a challenge. 
The Wild Guanaco are very easily domesticated, and I have 
seen some thus kept in Northern Patagonia near a house, though 
not under any restraint. They are in this state very bold, and 
readily attack a man by striking him from behind with both 
knees. It is asserted that the motive for*these attacks is jealousy 
on account of the females. ast 
The Wild Guanacos, however, have no idea of defence ; even 
a single dog will secure one of these large animals till the hunts- 
man can come up. . 
a 
