Taxonomic and biogeographical status of guanaco <i>Lama guanicoe</i> (Artiodactyla, Camelidae)

ABSTRACT We review the status of the four currently recognized guanaco Lama guanicoe subspecies, and provide information about their taxonomy and distribution. The success of guanaco in inhabiting open habitats of South America is based mainly on the flexibility of their social behaviour and ecophysiological adaptations to harsh environments. Lönnberg described the first subspecies, L. g. cacsilensis , at the beginning of the 20th century. Forty years later Krumbiegel described L. g. voglii , based on skull measurements and pelage colouration. The other two subspecies, L. g. huanacus and L. g. guanicoe , were classified as subspecies by Krumbiegel based on pelage colouration and body size, while maintaining the original Latin names and descriptors. Further guanaco populations have been incorporated…