Wild

The Wild Yak, known scientifically as Bos mutus, is a robust and formidable bovine breed native to the harsh and remote highlands of the Tibetan Plateau and its surrounding regions. Distinguished by its impressive size and distinctive features, the Wild Yak is a symbol of endurance and adaptability in alpine ecosystems. It sports a lush, woolly coat that provides essential insulation against the biting cold and ferocious winds of its high-altitude habitats, enabling it to survive in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This coat is typically dark brown to black, with a thick mane that adds to its majestic appearance.

Wild Yaks are characterized by their powerful build, with males standing tall at up to 200 cm at the shoulder and weighing up to 1,000 kg, whereas females are notably smaller. Their long, curved horns, which can reach spans of up to a meter, are instrumental for foraging through snow-covered landscapes to find the grasses, herbs, and shrubs that constitute their diet.

Social behavior in Wild Yaks varies with the seasons; they often form herds of females and young led by a dominant male, although older bulls tend to lead more solitary lives. These animals are well adapted to their mountainous environments, with physiological traits such as larger lung capacity and blood rich in red blood cells, enabling them to thrive in low-oxygen altitudes.

Despite their resilience, Wild Yaks face threats from habitat encroachment and hybridization with domestic yaks, prompting conservation efforts to preserve their populations. As a keystone species in their ecosystem, they play a crucial role in maintaining the alpine pasturelands that are vital to numerous other wildlife species.

Colors: Golden, Black, Dark Brown