Llama is a term used by the Peruvians to designate one of a small group of closely allied animals, which were the only domesticated hooved animals in the country prior to the Spanish conquest of the Americas.

They were kept not only for their value as beasts of burden, but also for their flesh, hides, and wool. In fact, llamas were used in place of the horse, the ox, the goat, and the sheep. Llamas are now seeing increasing use in North America as clothing-fiber producing animals and as guard animals for sheep herds, which they protect from coyote attacks.

The skull generally resembles that of a camel, with relatively larger brain-cavity and orbits and less developed cranial ridges. The ears are rather long and pointed. There is no dorsal hump. Feet are narrow, the toes being more separated than in the camels, each having a distinct plantar pad. The tail is short, and fur is long and woolly.

Many llamas are easily annoyed. If annoyed they make a clucking noise as they are spitting up stomach acid. The disagreeable habit of spitting in the face of persons whose presence annoys them is common to all llamas.