ExploreMammal

Yak

Bos mutus

Yaks are large, shaggy animals with long horns that live in the mountains. They are strong and can carry heavy loads. Yaks have thick fur to keep them warm in cold places.

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The Yak has a massive, muscular body covered in long, shaggy fur that can be black, brown, or grayish. It features a distinctive hump on its shoulders and short, sturdy legs with broad hooves. Its prominent, curved horns sweep outwards and then upwards, making it easily recognizable.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderArtiodactylaFamilyBovidaeGenusBos
Yak
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Yak

Category

Mammal

Rarity

Rare

Danger

2/5

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A group of yaks is called a 'herd' or a 'drove', and they stick together for safety.

Their thick, woolly undercoat is super warm and is prized for making clothes in cold regions.

Wild yaks can eat snow directly to get water when ice-cold streams are frozen solid.

Yaks don't moo like cows; they make grunting noises, which is how they got their scientific name 'mute ox'!

Special abilities

Ability

Thin Air Champion

Yak can breathe easily in high mountains because of their special blood, which carries extra oxygen.

Ability

Mountain Master

Yak has broad, strong hooves that help them grip rocky terrain and navigate steep, icy slopes without slipping.

Ability

Ultimate Warmth

Yak can stay warm in freezing temperatures because of their incredibly thick, shaggy coat and a layer of insulating fat.

Ability

Tough Eater

Yak can digest tough, sparse mountain plants because of their specialized digestive system, getting nutrients where others can't.

Measurements & details

Length
250-330 cm
Weight
250-1000 kg
Lifespan
15-20 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Litter Size
1
Gestation
257-270 days

Diet & Feeding

Yaks are plant-eaters who graze on tough grasses and small plants found in high mountains.

Primary Foods

  • Grasses
  • Sedges
  • Mosses
  • Lichens
  • Herbs

Foraging Method

  • Grazing

Ecological connections

eaten by

Snow Leopard

Panthera uncia

Young or weak yaks are prey for snow leopards.

eats

Purple Stipa Grass

Stipa purpurea

A common grass species grazed by yaks on the plateau.

Traits

Also known as

Domestic YakWild Yak

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5

Yaks are usually gentle but can be scared, so it's best to keep a safe distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Yak?

250-330 cm

How much does Yak weigh?

250-1000 kg

How long does Yak live?

15-20 years

How fast can Yak move?

40 km/h

What does Yak eat?

Yaks are plant-eaters who graze on tough grasses and small plants found in high mountains.

Where is Yak usually found?

Mountain regions

How does Yak hunt?

Grazing

How many babies does Yak usually have?

1

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