Mammals · Bovidae

Yak

Bos (genus)

Critically Endangered (wild)

The yak is a long-haired bovine found throughout the Himalayan region of south Central Asia, the Tibetan Plateau, and as far north as Mongolia and Russia. Yaks are related to cattle.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Artiodactyla

Family: Bovidae

Genus: Bos

Other names: Grunting Ox

Conservation Status

Critically Endangered (wild yak).

Size

The wild yak can weigh up to 2,200 lbs and stands up to 6.5 ft at the shoulder. Females are typically one-third the weight of males.

Habitat

Found in the Himalayan region of south Central Asia, the Tibetan Plateau, and as far north as Mongolia and Russia.

Description

Heavily built animals with a bulky frame, sturdy legs, and rounded cloven hooves. A dense undercoat of soft, matted fur is covered by generally dark brown to black outer hair; the shaggy coat reaches almost to the ground.

Behavior

Quiet, intelligent creatures.

Diet

Herbivores, eating primarily grasses.

Gestation

Approximately 257 to 270 days.

Birth

A single calf every 2 to 3 years. Calves become independent a year after birth.

Sexually Mature

Between 18 months and 4 years of age.

Life Span

Typically 15 to 20 years.

Social Structure

Most wild yaks travel in large herds with their young, often 100 or more animals of mixed ages and both sexes.

Did You Know?

Yaks were domesticated in Tibet.

Did You Know?

The wild yak is supremely well adapted to the harsh highlands, with a thick coat, great lung capacity, and the ability to clamber nimbly over rough terrain.