YaK

A yak is any of two closely related bovids native to the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau: the wild yak (Bos grunniens mutus) and the domesticated yak (Bos grunniens grunniens). Yaks are large, sturdy animals with long, thick coats that insulate against cold. They have broad bodies, short necks, and horns in both sexes. Domestic yaks tend to be smaller and more docile than their wild relatives.

Yaks are well adapted to low-oxygen environments. They possess large lungs and a strong cardiovascular system, along with hemoglobin suited to high-altitude conditions. Their shaggy coats protect against wind and cold, and they shed seasonally. They graze on sparse alpine pastures and can navigate rugged, rocky terrain.

In Asia, yaks are kept for multiple purposes. They serve as draft and pack animals and provide milk, meat, wool, and hides. Yak milk is rich in fat and is used to make butter, cheese, and yogurt. Wild yaks inhabit high-elevation grasslands and are typically found at elevations above 3,000 meters, sometimes higher; domesticated yaks are widespread across China, Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Mongolia.

Reproduction usually yields one calf after a gestation of about 259 days. Yaks have a lifespan of roughly 20–25 years, depending on conditions. They are highly social animals that form herds. Domestic yaks are often trained for long-distance transport and work in harsh climates.