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Vicuña:
Is our constant search for precious and exciting fibres, the Schneider Group
broadened it's products range to vicuña and other South American Camelids.
Considered to be the finest natural fibre in the world (12.5 mic.) the
Vicuña (Vicugna Vicugna) lives on the South American Highlands, between
4.500 and 5.500 meters above the sea level. They live in groups of 6 to 8
females, under the cautious surveillance of a male. It is the smallest and
most timid Camelid in South America.
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In the Ancient Inca society, its fine hair was regarded as the fibre of the
Gods. Only the Emperor could wear clothes of Vicuña. This cloth would be
used only once and then it was offered as a precious gift to others.
Vicuñas have to graze free in their natural habitat living in the wild and
therefore can't be breed in captivity.
In the past these animals were often killed to collect the fibre and were
close to extinction. Today, Vicuña fibre can be collected in very limited
quantities, with the rigorous surveillance of
CITES.
The world population of Vicuñas is below 200,000 heads mostly living in
Peru. Since each animal produces just a few grams of down, the world
production of dehaired fibre is just around 3 tons per year.
The Schneider Group offers either Vicuña from Perù as well as from
Argentina, which has a lighter color, finer diameter and is longer.
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