The vicuna, source of the world's finest natural fiber, was hunted nearly to extinction in the 20th century but has recovered dramatically through international protection and sustainable community-based harvesting programs.
Traditional chaku roundups require careful welfare management - animals driven by long lines of people must not be stressed to the point of collapse, and shearing in cold high-altitude conditions requires care to avoid chilling. Illegal poaching continues despite protection, causing direct suffering through trapping and killing. Vicunas managed in permanent captivity for commercial fiber production show signs of chronic stress, as they are not well adapted to captive conditions. The most welfare-positive model is community-based, regulated chaku that minimizes handling time and releases animals promptly.