|
The yak weighs up to 2200 lb pounds and its
habitat is the treeless uplands, including plains, hills,
and mountains of the Tibetan plateau and adjacent highlands,
including Gansu Province, China. It stays in high areas
with permanent snow during the warmer months of August and
September, and spends the rest of the year at lower elevations.
The wild yak grazes on grasses, herbs and lichens. Ordinarily
it gathers in groups of 10 - 30 or more, but it may occasionally
be observed in large groups of 100 - 200.
The wild yak was once numerous and widespread on the entire
Tibetan plateau north of the Himalayas. Wild yak distribution
is highly clumped, with most animals in widely scattered
herds, concentrated in the areas with little disturbance
by humans. Uncontrolled hunting by natives and military
personnel is the main reason for the wild yak's decline.
It's range has been reduced by more than half during this
century. Poaching remains the main current threat.
|
