The Vicuna is a wild camelid native to the high plateaus of the Andes in South America. This small animal with silky, lightweight fur is closely related to the llama and alpaca, but unlike these, the vicuna is a wild animal. It lives in the mountainous regions of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, and Peru, at high altitudes, often above 3,000 meters. The vicuna primarily feeds on herbaceous vegetation, especially alpine grasses. Its wool, soft and fine, is highly sought after, but it is protected by strict regulations. It is a timid animal, living in small groups and often moving over great distances in search of food.