Domestic Yak (Bos grunniens) — Vulnerable Mammalia

Domestic Yak

Bos grunniens

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Mammalia · Artiodactyla · Bovidae

About

The wild yak is a large, wild bovine native to the Himalayas. It is the ancestor of the domestic yak.

Fun Fact

Domestic yaks have three times more red blood cells than typical cattle, an adaptation to thin Himalayan air, and their grunting — not mooing — is so characteristic that 'grunniens' means 'grunting' in Latin.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Alpine meadows and steppes

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

20-25 years

Threats

  • Poaching
  • Urban Expansion
  • Overgrazing

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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