Yak
ExploreMammals
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
Category
MammalsRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
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
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Horned
Characterized by having one or more hard, permanent, pointed projections on the head.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Also known as
Domestic YakWild Yak
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
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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