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Category: Friendly Praise Archive

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Bad Hair Day

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Tibetan Yak, Wildlife Safari-Oregon

Tibetan Yak, Wildlife Safari-Oregon
Wildlife Safari Tibetan Yak, Oregon

The yak was probably domesticated in Tibet during the first millennium B.C., and domesticated animals now occur throughout the high plateaus and mountains of Central Asia, in association with people. Yaks found in zoos are usually of the domesticated variety, which is smaller than the wild yak. There are now more than 12 million domestic yaks in the highlands of Central Asia.
The wild yak is supremely well adapted to the harsh highlands with its thick coat, great lung capacity, and ability to clamber nimbly over rough terrain. Even its blood cells are designed for high elevations - they are about half the size of those of cattle and are at least three times more numerous, thus increasing its blood’s capacity to carry oxygen. Its thick coat and low number of sweat glands are also efficient adaptations for conserving heat.

Have a Great Day
f5.3, 1/125sec, ISO125, 75mm (18-200mm lens)

Denny E. Barnes

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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. Currently it is found in remote areas of the Tibetan plateau and adjacent highlands, including Gansu Province, China, with a few having been observed in the Chang Chenmo Valley of Ladakh (eastern Kashmir, India). Wild yak distribution is highly clumped, with most animals in widely scattered herds, concentrated in the areas with little disturbance by humans. A survey conducted in 2003 found increasing populations of wild yak compared to previous surveys taken 10 years earlier.
Uncontrolled hunting by natives and military personnel is the main reason for the wild yak's decline. Its range has been reduced by more than half during this century. Poaching remains the main current threat. The wild yak has lost most of the best alpine meadow and steppe habitat to pastoralists. Problems are also caused by habitat disturbance, hybridization and competition with domestic yaks, and disease transmitted by domestic yaks.

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April 26, 2010

countryimpressions.net - Tammy M. Anderson

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Great capture of this big fella, Denny. Terrific title and info.

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April 26, 2010

Ron McEwan

Don't they use the wool for sweaters or something? Neat capture Denny and great info on there history.

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April 26, 2010

Robert R. Goodman

Hi Denny,I think I have seen one of these guys before.Excellent capture,my friend.They sure are wooly.The ones they have at the PHX zoo,they keep fans blowing cool water on them to help cool them down in the summer!!!!

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April 26, 2010

Monnie Ryan

Wonder why they don't just shear them like sheep during the hot summer months? With all that furry stuff, though, that might be quite a challenge (never mind that the yaks probably wouldn't like it much)! Really neat photo and information, Denny!

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April 26, 2010

Mike Clime

Nice capture and great information! Looks kind of like a buffalo in the spring.

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April 26, 2010

debarnesphotography.com - Denny E. Barnes

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Thank you very much Tammy, Ron, Bobby, Monnie and Mike!

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April 26, 2010

Jack Ryan

Cool capture but probably not a "cool" yak!!! Interesting background info and an excellent photo with excellent detail and color. Very well done as always.

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April 26, 2010

John Connolly

It certainly does look like a bad hair day, Denny! You have captured this not too pretty animal beautifully, and your information is spot on, as usual!

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April 26, 2010

Nancy (Peaches) Harker

WOW He is HUGE
FANTASTIC capture and story Denny!

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April 26, 2010

debarnesphotography.com - Denny E. Barnes

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Thank you very much Jack, John and Nancy!

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April 26, 2010

annbelusphotography.com - Ann H. Belus

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Very intriguing animal indeed, Denny; and very interesting info. We saw many yaks free roaming the Gobi when we were in Mongolia, but never stopped to learn about them. This is a great capture!

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April 26, 2010

Ellen Hodges

Wonderful detail in this awesome capture, Denny!!! Thanks for the info, too!!!

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April 26, 2010

debarnesphotography.com - Denny E. Barnes

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Thank you, Ann and Ellen!

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April 26, 2010

Kerry Hill

Fantastic capture Deny, he sure is big and hairy! Thanks for the very interesting info too, excellent work!

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April 26, 2010

Kerry Hill

Sorry I spelt your name wrong Denny, my fingers are going faster than my brain!

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April 26, 2010

Ujjwal Mukherjee

He is big and impressive, great capture and as always very useful info. to go with it,Denny! Thanks !!

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April 27, 2010

Barbara Waldoch

Carpet on the hoof? :-)
Cool capture, Denny!

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April 27, 2010

Tiia Vissak

a wonderful shot!

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April 27, 2010

Tammy Espino

I think you should go in there and brush him :) Cool shot!

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April 27, 2010

- Nancy L. Green

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That is one SERIOUS fur coat!! WONDERFUL capture my friend!!! <><

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April 27, 2010

debarnesphotography.com - Denny E. Barnes

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Thank you very much Kerry, Ujjwal, Barbara, Tiia, Tammy and Nancy!

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April 29, 2010

- Laura E. Swan

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Wonderful capture of this bearded beast!

He looks plenty warm and I wouldn't want the job of bushing him Denny! :D

-Laura

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April 29, 2010

debarnesphotography.com - Denny E. Barnes

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Thank you, Laura!

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May 03, 2010

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