The yak is an imposing animal that lives in one of the most inhospitable regions on the planet: the Himalayas. How can it withstand the extreme cold?
The post The yak is an imposing giant of the high mountains first appeared on EarthSky.
Image via 8Percent Media/ Pexels. The yak is a robust and resilient mammal that inhabits some of the most inhospitable regions on the planet. Known for their thick, long fur and their ability to withstand extreme cold, yaks graze on plants and can climb through steep terrain. People of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau have relied on the yak as a fundamental ally throughout history. Science matters. Wonder matters. You matter. Join our 2025 Donation Campaign today. Where does the yak live and what does it look like? The yak is native to the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, in countries such as China, Nepal, Bhutan and Mongolia. It lives in cold areas, between 9,840 and 19,700 feet (3,000 and 6,000 meters) above sea level, where temperatures can drop below freezing. Its primary habitat consists of treeless uplands dominated by mountains and plateaus. You'll usually find them in alpine tundra with a relatively thick carpet of grasses and sedges. Physically, the yak is imposing. It can measure up to 6.5 feet (2 m) long and weigh between 661 and 2,646 pounds (300 and 1,200 kg), depending on whether it is domesticated or wild. Thick, long fur covers its body and protects it from the cold. And its appearance is even more striking due to its hump and curved horns. Males are usually much larger than females, and wild specimens are noticeably more robust than domesticated ones. A yak's amazing abilities The yak is a true expert at surviving extreme conditions. Its respiratory system is adapted to function effectively in hypoxic environments, that is, areas with little oxygen. This is due to a type of lung cell specific to these mammals. Scientists believe this cell can make yaks' blood vessels more resilient and fibrous. This could help with the demanding task of breathing with relatively little oxygen. If other animals — including unadapted humans — were to live at this altitude and with such a lack of oxygen for extended periods…