Description

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Context

Nepal observed its first-ever ‘National Yak Day’ on April 20, 2025 to honor the cultural, ecological and economic value of the yak in the Himalayan region.

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development urged stakeholders to integrate yak conservation into the sustainable development agenda, especially across the Hindu Kush Himalaya region.

It also highlighted the role of indigenous communities like the Sherpa, Tamang, Thakali, Rai and Limbu in protecting yak herding traditions, ensuring food security, cultural identity and biodiversity conservation.

Yak

The Yak is a long-haired bovine found primarily in the Himalayan region, the Tibetan Plateau, Mongolia and Central Asia.

Yaks are crucial to the livelihoods, culture and economy of high-altitude communities.

They are well adapted to cold, rugged mountainous environments.

Scientific Classification

Category	Details
Scientific Name	Bos grunniens (domesticated), Bos mutus (wild)
Family	Bovidae
Conservation Status	Wild Yak - Vulnerable (IUCN Red List) CITES: Appendix I Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972: Schedule I

Physical Characteristics

Feature	Description
Size	Height: 5.2 to 7.2 ft at shoulder; Length: 7–11 ft
Weight	300 to 1,200 kg depending on gender and wild/domesticated
Coat	Thick, long, and shaggy coat for insulation
Color	Typically black, brown, or grey
Horns	Present in both sexes; used for defense and foraging
Special Adaptations	Dense undercoat, large lungs, and increased red blood cell count to survive low oxygen levels

Habitat and Distribution

Aspect	Details
Native Range	Himalayan region, Tibetan Plateau, Mongolia, Central Asia
Altitude Range	Typically found at 3,000 to 6,000 meters
Preferred Climate	Extremely cold, mountainous regions
Indian States	Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh

Importance to Human Societies

Area	Role and Contribution
Transport	Yaks are used as pack animals to carry goods in mountainous terrain.
Milk	Rich in fat; used to make butter, cheese, and curd.
Meat	An important protein source for high-altitude communities.
Wool and Hair	Used to make tents, ropes, garments, and blankets.
Dung	Major fuel source where firewood is scarce.
Cultural Importance	Yaks have spiritual and economic value especially among Tibetan Buddhists.

Wild Yak vs. Domesticated Yak

Feature	*Wild Yak (Bos mutus)*	*Domesticated Yak (Bos grunniens)*
Size	Larger	Slightly smaller
Behavior	More aggressive and solitary	Tamer, lives with human settlements
Conservation Status	Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)	Not threatened
Location	Remote, uninhabited regions	Near villages and settlements

Conservation Efforts

Initiative	Details
Protected Areas	Establishment of National Parks e.g., Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary, Ladakh
Research and Monitoring	Tracking wild yak populations and habitats.
Community Involvement	Promoting sustainable yak herding and conservation awareness.
International Cooperation	Cross-border efforts between India, China and Nepal for habitat conservation.

Special Highlights

Yak Festival is celebrated in Ladakh and Sikkim showcasing yak races, dances, and cultural exhibitions.

Yak Domestication is believed to have occurred around 5,000 years ago in Tibet.

Used by the Indian Army in high-altitude operations. Important in maintaining supply lines in inaccessible areas (e.g., Siachen Glacier region).

Sources: DOWNTOEARTH

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which of the following statements regarding Yaks is/are correct?

Wild Yaks are classified as Endangered under the IUCN Red List.
Domesticated Yaks are primarily reared in the tropical lowlands of South Asia.
Yaks have a higher lung capacity and smaller red blood cells compared to cattle helping them survive at high altitudes.

Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Wild Yaks are classified as Vulnerable not Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Statement 2 is Incorrect. Domesticated Yaks are reared in cold, high-altitude regions not tropical lowlands.

Statement 3 is Correct. Yaks have about three times the lung capacity of cattle and smaller red blood cells aiding survival in low-oxygen, high-altitude environments.