Inspiring Photo: Tibetan Yak, Wildlife Safari-Oregon #10071724

Tibetan Yak, Wildlife Safari-Oregon

Uploaded: April 26, 2010

Description

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)

Exif: F Number: 5.3, Exposure Bias Value: -0.67, ExposureTime: 1/125 seconds, Flash: did not fire., ISO: 125, White balance: Manual white balance, FocalLength: 75.00 mm, Model: NIKON D300

Comments

Denny E. Barnes April 26, 2010

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.

#1262780

Tammy M. Anderson April 26, 2010

Great capture of this big fella, Denny. Terrific title and info. #8570705

Ron McEwan April 26, 2010

Don't they use the wool for sweaters or something? Neat capture Denny and great info on there history. #8570797

Robert R. Goodman April 26, 2010

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!!!! #8570825

Monnie Ryan April 26, 2010

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! #8570857

Mike Clime April 26, 2010

Nice capture and great information! Looks kind of like a buffalo in the spring. #8570967

Denny E. Barnes April 26, 2010

Thank you very much Tammy, Ron, Bobby, Monnie and Mike! #8571005

Jack Ryan April 26, 2010

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. #8571140

John Connolly April 26, 2010

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! #8571273

Nancy (Peaches) Harker April 26, 2010

WOW He is HUGE
FANTASTIC capture and story Denny! #8571775

Denny E. Barnes April 26, 2010

Thank you very much Jack, John and Nancy! #8571996

Ann H. Belus April 26, 2010

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! #8572059

Ellen Hodges April 26, 2010

Wonderful detail in this awesome capture, Denny!!! Thanks for the info, too!!! #8572104

Denny E. Barnes April 26, 2010

Thank you, Ann and Ellen! #8572132

Kerry Hill April 26, 2010

Fantastic capture Deny, he sure is big and hairy! Thanks for the very interesting info too, excellent work! #8572220

Kerry Hill April 26, 2010

Sorry I spelt your name wrong Denny, my fingers are going faster than my brain! #8572225

Ujjwal Mukherjee April 27, 2010

He is big and impressive, great capture and as always very useful info. to go with it,Denny! Thanks !! #8572316

Barbara Waldoch April 27, 2010

Carpet on the hoof? :-)
Cool capture, Denny! #8572589

Tiia Vissak April 27, 2010

a wonderful shot! #8573297

Tammy Espino April 27, 2010

I think you should go in there and brush him :) Cool shot! #8573834

Nancy L. Green April 27, 2010

That is one SERIOUS fur coat!! WONDERFUL capture my friend!!! <>< #8574438

Denny E. Barnes April 29, 2010

Thank you very much Kerry, Ujjwal, Barbara, Tiia, Tammy and Nancy! #8578494

Laura E. Swan April 29, 2010

Wonderful capture of this bearded beast!

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

-Laura #8578707

Denny E. Barnes May 03, 2010

Thank you, Laura! #8586277

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