Yak

A yak (Bos grunniens) is a large, long-haired bovine native to the Himalayan region of South and Central Asia. They are incredibly well-adapted to the high altitudes and harsh, cold environments where they live, and they play a vital role in the lives of the people who inhabit these regions.

Physical Description

Yaks are massive animals with a stocky build, short legs, and humped shoulders. Both males and females have horns. Their most defining feature is their long, shaggy coat, which can be black, brown, or grayish. This thick fur provides insulation against the extreme cold. They also have a thick layer of fat and a large lung capacity, which helps them survive in the oxygen-scarce, high-altitude air.

Habitat and Diet

Wild yaks live on the treeless plateaus and mountains of the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding areas at elevations of up to 18,000 feet. They are herbivores that primarily graze on grasses, sedges, and other low-lying vegetation they find in their mountainous habitat.

Domesticated Yaks

While wild yaks are endangered, domesticated yaks are abundant. For centuries, they have been a cornerstone of life for Himalayan people, providing a range of essential resources.

Transportation: Their strength and endurance make them invaluable as pack animals for transporting goods across difficult mountainous terrain.

Milk and Meat: Yak milk is used to make butter and cheese, and their meat is a staple food.

Materials: Their hides are used for clothing, blankets, and tents, and their coarse wool is spun into rope and fabrics. Even their dung is used as fuel for fires in a region with little to no wood.