Abstract :
Since 1994 wild vicu˜nas have been captured and shorn for their wool, yet, there remains a
noticeable lack of data regarding the possible influence of capture and shearing upon vicu˜na
biology. Therefore, we assessed post-capture group composition, genetic relatedness, and
paternity among animals that were captured for live shearing and release. We captured
twenty-six groups (134 animals) on the Chilean Altiplano. Seventy-three percent of Male
Groups (designated prior to chase) contained exclusively adult males upon capture, whereas
remaining “Male Groups” contained crias and/or adult females and crias. Forty-seven percent
of Family Groups (designated prior to chase) contained 1 adult male, adult females, and
the number of crias≤the number of adult females. Remaining Family Groups contained no
or multiple adult males, and more crias than adult females. Average relatedness among all
vicu˜nas was −0.007. Paternity analysis revealed that 35% of crias were captured with their
biological mother and that only 1 cria was captured with both biological parents. Based on
previous observations of group composition in the wild, animals from different groups may
separate and/or mix during the chasing stage. Improvement of the chasing technique and
instituting a post-capture monitoring program may aid in the detection of medium- and
long-term impacts regarding group stability, cria survival, and ultimately wool production.
