Photo: Dave Pape · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The yak is a large, long-haired bovine adapted to the extreme cold and thin air of the high Himalayan plateau, long domesticated as a vital pack animal.
Appearance
It has a massive body covered in a long, shaggy dark coat, curved horns, and a dense woolly undercoat that traps body heat.
Habitat & Distribution
The yak is found in mountain habitats.
Diet & Behavior
Diet: Herbivore — Plant-eating animals that graze or browse on grasses, leaves, and other vegetation, from tiny insects to giant elephants.
Yaks are well-adapted to high-altitude life with larger lungs and hearts relative to body size than lowland cattle, and huddle together for warmth in herds.
Predators
- Snow leopard
- Wolf
Prey
This species does not prey on other animals.
Interesting Facts
- 1
Yaks have larger lungs and hearts relative to their body size than lowland cattle, an adaptation to thin mountain air.
- 2
Their thick coat lets them tolerate temperatures well below freezing.
- 3
Domestic yaks have been used as pack animals in the Himalayas for thousands of years.
Gallery
Yak FAQs
What does a yak eat?
The yak is a herbivore. Plant-eating animals that graze or browse on grasses, leaves, and other vegetation, from tiny insects to giant elephants.
Where does the yak live?
The yak is found in mountain habitats across asia.
Is the yak endangered?
The yak has a conservation status of Vulnerable. Species facing a high risk of extinction in the wild due to habitat loss, hunting, or other pressures.
How long do yaks live?
A yak's typical lifespan is 20–25 years in the wild.
How much does a yak weigh?
An adult yak typically weighs 300–1,200 kg.