Vicuña

To successfully capture the elusive vicuña on a trail camera, you must focus on 'bofedales'—the high-altitude wetlands or green marshy patches that serve as critical watering and feeding holes in an otherwise arid landscape. These areas are the social hubs of the puna. Because there are no trees in this environment, you will need to get creative with mounting. Use a low-profile tripod or secure your camera to a large, stable rock using a heavy-duty strap. Position the lens about 3 feet (1 meter) off the ground to ensure you capture the full body of the animal against the mountain backdrop.

Vicuñas have exceptional vision and are naturally suspicious of new objects. To avoid 'camera-shyness,' it is vital to camouflage your device. Use local moss, dried bunchgrass, or even a specialized protective housing that mimics the color of the local volcanic rock. Avoid any dangling straps or shiny surfaces that might catch the light. Set your camera to a fast trigger speed—0.5 seconds or less—as these animals move with a light, springy gait that can easily result in a missed shot or a blur.

A professional tip for capturing consistent vicuña activity is to locate their communal dung piles, known as latrines. Vicuñas are creatures of habit and use these specific spots to mark their territory. Placing a camera near a well-used latrine ensures you will capture multiple members of the herd and potentially witness interesting social behaviors. Since the Andean sun is incredibly bright, use a camera with a high dynamic range (HDR) or adjust your exposure settings to prevent the white chest fur from being 'blown out' in the midday glare. Early morning and late afternoon provide the most flattering light for their golden coats.