Andean animal crossword

Finding the Andean Animal in the Crossword

The wildlife of the Andean region has long intrigued both nature lovers and crossword fans. We now look at the clues plus reveal which Andean animal the puzzle is asking for.

A Look at the Andean Land

The Andes Range

The Andes run from Venezuela down to Chile and form the spine of the region. Their steep slopes shelter plants but also animals found nowhere else on Earth.

Discovering Andean Biodiversity

The Andes contain an extraordinary variety of life. Each slope from mist soaked cloud forests to wind scoured high plateaus, shelters plants and animals that suit the exact altitude plus climate where they live. Every form of life - orchid, bear or beetle - belongs to a tight web. Remove one part and the whole fabric loosens.

The Andean Animal Crossword Clue

Unravelling the Puzzle

Crossword setters often use the clue “Andean animal.” After checking every reference, the answer that appears most often is the alpaca. This small camelid lives on Andean ridges. It carries silky fleece but also has served Andean people for centuries as a pack animal, a source of clothing and a ritual gift.

Exploring the Alpaca

The alpaca belongs to the camel family and stands shoulder to shoulder with the llama. Groups graze on high grasslands where nights fall below freezing. Their fleece lacks lanolin - the fibre feels soft as well as does not itch. Andean weavers have turned it into shawls and blankets since long before the Inca.

• An alpaca measures about three to four feet at the shoulder, clearly shorter than a llama.
• The coat grows in white, black, brown or any shade of gray - no dye is needed.
• They stay in close family units and quickly accept the people who care for them as part of the group.
• After the yearly shearing, herders use the fleece, rely on the meat and include the animals in ancient Andean rites.

Conclusion - Unravelling the Andean Animal Crossword

The crossword clue that requested an Andean animal now has a plain answer - the alpaca. This camelid is notable for its graceful appearance plus for its long role in regional life. Following the hints that pointed to the solution reveals the breadth of natural riches found in the Andes.