The Ecological Footprint of Fiber Producers

The ecological footprint describes the impact of a living being on nature. On average, a person in our society currently has an estimated ecological footprint of 2.3. This means that people consume 2.3 times as many resources as can be sustainably generated on Earth over the same period. Consequently, it would take 2.3 Earths to support our current level of consumption in the long term. Textiles are also part of human consumption. Even if they represent a relatively small share compared to transportation, electricity usage, and dietary habits, every effort to live a more sustainable lifestyle counts in the end.

Alpacas have a remarkably low footprint – in the truest sense of the word. Not only does their gentle grazing behavior contribute, but also the light steps of these padded-footed animals ensure that pastures can be preserved and quickly recover. Alpacas therefore do not require extensive grazing areas. Adapted to the harsh, nutrient-poor environments of the Andes, even their energy and water requirements are quite low.

In comparison to other animals used for high-quality fiber production, alpacas are particularly notable for their landscape-friendly and energy-saving husbandry.

In stark contrast stands the cashmere goat. Nowadays, cashmere primarily comes from China and Mongolia. Especially in the already fragile ecosystem of Mongolia, keeping cashmere goats is a double-edged sword. Mongolian farmers increasingly rely on cashmere because the goats are hardier than some alternative livestock. During the devastating winter of 2009/2010, the so-called Dzud, a large part of Mongolia’s livestock perished. Fearing recurring failures, herders prefer animals that can survive under harsher conditions. In addition, cashmere prices on the world market were very promising at the beginning of the millennium. However, they have since declined. The consequence: fiber producers are now increasingly relying on larger herds.

The goats also cope better with the sparse forage of the steppe compared to many other animals. This is a very relevant decision criterion, especially when considering Mongolia’s future. Nearly 90% of Mongolia is threatened by desertification. Mongolia could turn into a desert within a relatively short time. So, is the robust goat a good investment?

Not really, as it is part of the problem. Since goats nibble on plant roots when grazing, many plants do not regrow. Their sharp, pointed hooves further damage the nutrient-rich topsoil of the steppe – thereby accelerating desertification.

In alpaca husbandry, such negative environmental impacts have not been observed. In contrast to agriculture in the Andean regions, alpaca farming results in comparatively little erosion and steppe degradation. In parts of Bolivia, the alpaca industry even contributes to the irrigation of landscapes. The development of natural drainage ditches benefits not only the alpacas but also the long-term preservation of the land.

Excerpt: LEIDENSCHAFT ALPAKA – HUSBANDRY, BREEDING & SHOWS Publisher and Author, Show Judge Robin Näsemann, 2020