Yaks Facts

The yak, Bos grunniens or Bos mutus - are the official animals of Tibet. About ten million of the world's yaks live on the Tibetan plateau. A yak is special because it is built to survive tough environments. They have three times more re blood cells than normal cows that's why they are able to live without any problems on the high elevation grasslands. Yaks hair is woven into yarn and used to make tents and rope. Yaks are herd animals. Yaks are herbivores (plant-eaters). Yak meat is eaten by nearly every Tibetan family. Yak milk is high in fat. The yak’s digestive system allows food to digest at a temperature of 104 degrees F, keeping it warm even in extremely cold conditions. Yaks can climb up to 20,000 feet (6,100 m) above sea level. 

The wild yak is much larger and its fur is much longer and shaggier than the domestic yak. A large population of domestic yak remains, but wild yak are few due to loss of their habitat and extensive hunting.