A common strategy to reduce predator attack on livestock is the deployment of guardian alpacas. However, little research has been conducted on the behaviour of this species while housed with other livestock. This study monitored two male alpacas cohabitating with 180 lambing ewes in order to quantify field behaviour in two phases. Phase one assessed diurnal patterns of alpacas and lambing ewes using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) collars recording data over 41 days, in combination with observational recordings. Phase two developed an alpaca behavioural ethogram through continuous observations from 05:30 to 19:30 h over a 3-day period. The two alpacas shared similar behaviours with commonality of distance travelled, and both species exhibited an increase in activity level based on speed between the times of 05:00 and 17:00 h. The GNSS data indicated that the alpacas flocked with the ewes at night sharing the same resting location, however, would spend time during the day on the outskirts of the paddock. Alpacas were observed to spend the majority of the observation period in two behavioural states: grazing (57%) and resting (27%). As a result of this study we were able to catalogue a range and frequency of field behaviours which alpacas exhibit while cohabitating with lambing ewes. However, further research is needed to determine in more detail how these behaviours correspond with the effectiveness of this species as a livestock guardian.

Context: This is the first survey, to our knowledge, that examines how sheep producers in Australia use alpacas as guardian animals. Aims: To document current management practices surrounding guardian alpacas to protect sheep and gain an understanding about producers’ opinions on the effectiveness of their alpacas in increasing lamb survival, and provide recommendations for producers looking to invest in guardian alpacas. Methods: An online survey aimed to target sheep producers that use alpacas as guardian animals in Australia. Survey was advertised through social media and mail-out copies were sent to known producers that own guardian alpacas. Key results: The majority of respondents (72%, n = 65) co-graze 1 alpaca to every 1–50 sheep, with most of respondents (54%, n = 44) introducing alpacas to their flock of sheep 10 weeks before lambing. The majority of respondents (82%, n = 74) noted that the alpacas bonded with the sheep either straight away or within 1–4 weeks, regardless of the number of alpacas placed with sheep (P < 0.001 for all alpaca to sheep ratios when comparing bonding time of 4 weeks). It was common for respondents to own castrated males aged between 2 and 5 years (58%, n = 52). Approximately half of the respondents were hobby farmers (48%, n = 56). The survey findings suggested that producers believed that alpacas are effective in protecting against foxes, but not as effective against more aggressive predators such as wild dogs. The respondents witnessed alpacas exhibiting a range of guarding behaviours, including staying close to lambs, and chasing, vocalising or killing potential threats. In total, 72% of respondents reported that their lamb survival increased after introducing alpacas and gave the animals an average rating of 7.5 of 10 in relation to their effectiveness. A total of 70 respondents (83%) stated that they would recommend alpacas as guardian animals to other producers and noted that they are highly cost-effective. Conclusions: Surveyed producers consistently considered alpacas as an effective form of predator deterrent and associated their use with increasing lamb survival. Implications: Lamb mortality remains a major issue in the sheep industry. This survey highlighted one form of predator deterrent that surveyed sheep producers have used in the effort to increase their lamb survival. Additionally, these findings have provided knowledge, such as how these animals are being used by the respondents and information for producers looking to invest in guardian alpacas.