Yak

About

How yak lives

Yaks are high-altitude bovines with dense coats and strong lungs for cold mountain air. A yak's long hair helps insulate it against wind and snow. Mountain species are adapted to cooler temperatures, rough terrain, and thinner air.

Conservation

Status and habitat pressure

Stable populations still depend on habitat quality, food availability, and low human pressure. Protecting yak also depends on keeping mountains, grassland habitats healthy and connected.

Common species still depend on habitat quality, clean water, food webs, and low disturbance.

Quick Facts

Things to notice

• A yak's long hair helps insulate it against wind and snow.
• Hair, fur, and milk production are hallmark mammal traits that separate them from other vertebrates.
• Mountain species are adapted to cooler temperatures, rough terrain, and thinner air.
• Stable populations still depend on habitat quality, food availability, and low human pressure.