What is the name of the domesticated animal that is the source of mohair?

The domesticated animal that produces mohair is the Angora goat.

Mohair is a lustrous natural fibre obtained from the hair of Angora goats, a breed that originated in the Ankara region of Turkey. The name “Angora” is connected with Ankara, and the goats were historically associated with the area’s textile trade. Their long, curly coats are usually white, although black, brown, and grey animals also exist.

Angora goats are sheared, commonly twice a year, rather than combed like cashmere-producing goats. The fibre is valued for its sheen, strength, elasticity, warmth, and ability to absorb dyes. Hair from younger goats is generally finer and softer, making it suitable for clothing, while coarser adult fibre is often used in carpets, upholstery, and heavier fabrics.

A frequent mix-up is Angora rabbit fibre, which is called angora wool and comes from rabbit fur—not mohair. Alpacas and llamas produce valuable fibres too, but neither is the source of mohair. Commercial Angora-goat production expanded beyond Turkey during the 19th century, especially into South Africa, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. South Africa became a major producer of the fibre.