YAK
Bos grunniens

There are over 12 million yaks in the world, most of which are domestic like ours here.  Unfortunately, wild yaks are becoming rarer in their Himalayan home because of hunting. This hardy animal can live at up to 18,000 ft (5,400m) and has a dense, matted undercoat which keeps it warm. Yaks do not like warm places but can easily tolerate temperatures of -40o C.

The yak is one of the most important domestic animals in Tibet, where it provides transport, meat, milk, fibre for spinning - even its dried dung is used as fuel.  In spite of their shaggy, awkward appearance, yaks are excellent, sure-footed climbers.
 
Due to the lack of vegetation where they live, wild yaks have to travel far in order to eat enough.  In July, they move to lower areas and then, as the temperature rises in August, they head back up to the plateaus. Domestic yaks cannot “moo” – only grunt, hence their Latin name “Bos grunniens” which means “I grunt”.