Disease Ecology in Wild South American Camelids: Conservation Implications of a Long Cohabitation History with Exotic Ungulates

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe) and vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) are wild South American camelids (WSAC) adapted to arid landscapes of the neotropical region. Guanacos have an extensive distribution, ranging from southern Argentina and Chile to northern Perú, while vicuñas are restricted to high Andean environments above 3000 masl. The geographical distribution of both species has been gradually shrinking in recent decades, affected by competition with livestock and habitat fragmentation. Interactions with livestock and habitat loss carry implications for the health of wild camelid populations. SAC (South American camelids) are known to be susceptible to pathogens introduced by livestock (cattle and sheep). Habitat fragmentation and loss, on the other hand, restrict the area available to WSAC, and this can increase their population densities, which in turn may influence pathogen transmission. This chapter addresses the known and unknown aspects of the ecology of health and disease of WSAC populations, summarizing current knowledge and identifying gaps that need further research efforts.