Yak

The yak (Bos grunniens) is a large bovine native to the high mountains of Central Asia, especially the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding regions. Wild yaks and domestic yaks belong to the same species, although the wild form is generally larger and much rarer. Living at altitudes that often exceed 4,000 meters, yaks are remarkably adapted to cold temperatures and thin air.

Their long, shaggy coat protects them from freezing winds, while a dense underlayer of fine wool provides extra insulation. They also have large lungs and a heart well suited to low-oxygen environments. Broad hooves give them a secure footing on rocky slopes, snow and frozen ground, allowing them to travel across rugged mountain landscapes throughout the year.

Yaks feed mainly on grasses, sedges and other hardy alpine plants that grow during the short mountain summer. They often move in search of fresh grazing areas as the seasons change. Wild yaks usually live in herds, with females and calves staying together while adult males are more solitary except during the breeding season.

For thousands of years, domestic yaks have played a vital role in the daily life of Himalayan and Tibetan communities by providing milk, meat, wool and hides, while also carrying heavy loads across high mountain passes. Today, wild yak populations face threats from habitat disturbance, competition with livestock and climate change, whereas domestic yaks remain an essential resource for many people living in high-altitude regions.