Llamas have been domesticated for thousands of years and have a variety of uses. Here are some of the ways llamas are used:

• Pack animals: In the mountains of Peru, where they were domesticated, llamas are used as pack animals. They can carry 25-30% of their body weight and are able to cover up to 20 miles in a single day. In the United States, llama ranchers often use llamas for the same reasons, to carry heavy packs around farm or ranch areas.

• Livestock guardians: Llamas can serve as livestock guardians, protecting sheep, goats, and other animals from predators. They are used most commonly in the western regions of the United States, where larger predators, such as coyotes and feral dogs, are prevalent.

• Wool: Llama wool is used for weaving clothes and rope, and their skin is used for leather. Their wool is soft and contains only a small amount of lanolin.

• Fuel: The dried excrement of llamas is used for fuel.

• Companion animals: Llamas raised commercially in the United States today are raised for companion animals, shows, wool, and fertilizer. Llamas are good-natured and like children, despite their reputation for spitting. They make wonderful companions who like to go for walks and usually enjoy the company of people.

• Food source: Llamas can also be a food source, providing their owners with meat and milk.

• Fertilizer: Llama dung is used as fertilizer and has been credited with making agriculture possible in the Andes.

In summary, llamas are used for pack animals, livestock guardians, wool, fuel, companion animals, food source, and fertilizer.