A massive, shaggy-haired mammal that roams the high-altitude plains and mountains of the Tibetan Plateau and parts of Central Asia. It is one of the largest and toughest animals adapted to life in extreme cold, with thick fur, strong muscles, and lungs built to handle thin mountain air. Its long, woolly coat helps insulate it against freezing temperatures, while its large lungs and heart help it breathe in areas where oxygen is scarce.

What sets the wild yak apart from its domesticated cousin is its size, power, and wild nature. While domestic yaks are smaller and tamer, the wild yak is built for survival and prefers remote, windswept regions far from human settlements. Males are particularly huge and can be aggressive, especially during the mating season. They roam in smaller groups or alone, while females and young form larger herds for safety. These animals are strong, sure-footed climbers, able to move across rocky, snow-covered terrain that most creatures would find impossible. Their wide hooves and strong legs make them perfectly suited for mountain life.

A cool fact about wild yaks is their ability to survive on very little. They mostly eat grasses, herbs, mosses, and lichens, scraping through snow with their hooves to find food during the harsh winter months. Their digestive systems are so efficient that they can get enough energy from even the sparsest vegetation. Because of this, they can survive in some of the highest and harshest places on Earth—areas where few other large mammals can live. Yaks also help their environment by dispersing seeds through their droppings, making them silent gardeners of the mountains.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Bhutan

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

China

2014

India

2014

Nepal

2014

Presence Uncertain