Alpaca deaths in Pilpichaca caused by drought and extreme cold

In the Pilpichaca district of Huaytará, Peru, alpaca producers are reporting significant livestock losses due to severe malnutrition. The crisis is driven by a combination of prolonged drought and extreme cold (friaje), which have depleted natural pastures and reduced available food sources for the animals.

Local producers report that the environmental stress is also causing reproductive issues, including increased rates of abortion among the Suri and Huacaya alpaca breeds. The situation is particularly critical in the Huancavelica region, which hosts approximately 551,000 alpacas and relies heavily on this activity for the economic survival and food security of hundreds of farming families.

Provinces such as Huancavelica, Angaraes, Castrovirreyna, and Huaytará are among those most affected. Local community organizations are calling for urgent government intervention, including the provision of forage, water access, and veterinary assistance to mitigate further losses.