| Chilihueque | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification |
The Chilihueque or the Hueque is a South American camelid mammal that existed in central and south-central Chile in pre-columbian and pre-colonial times.
These animals exact origins are unknown, but there are two theories about the species. They are either a unique breed of llama or alpaca, or a localized breed of guanaco endemic to the region.
These beasts were used by the Mapuche tribe as a beast of burden, as observed by Europeans who visited the tribes through the early 1600s.
The Chilihueque would decline between the 16th and 17th century, presumably from the introduction of and competition with sheep and cattle. Eventually, these old world herbivores replaced them and were used by the local tribes after their extinction.
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