essay on yak in english

Description of the Yak

Yaks are robust cattle with a bulky frame, short but thick legs, and rounded cloven hooves that are splayed to help them walk in snow. Their most distinctive feature is an extremely dense, shaggy long coat that, in some individuals, hangs down to the ground. Wild yaks are generally dark, blackish to brown in color, whereas domestic yaks are more variable in color, and may have patches of cream and rusty brown, sometimes making them piebald.

Interesting Facts About the Yak

Habitat of the yak, distribution of the yak, diet of the yak, yak and human interaction, domestication, does the yak make a good pet, behavior of the yak, reproduction of the yak, related articles more from author.

Paint Horse

Expert Recommendations

Best Dog Toothpaste

Best Dog DNA Test

Best Dog Dewormer

Best Dog Camera

Best Dog Gifts

Best Wireless Dog Fences

Best Natural Dog Food

Best Dog Door

Best Dog Beds for Large Dogs

Best Dog Seat Cover

Even more news.

House Spider

Popular category.

Animal encyclopedia

The fascinating world of yaks: an introduction.

September 4, 2023

John Brooks

September 4, 2023 / Reading time: 6 minutes

Sophie Hodgson

We adhere to editorial integrity are independent and thus not for sale. The article may contain references to products of our partners. Here's an explanation of how we make money .

Why you can trust us

Wild Explained was founded in 2021 and has a long track record of helping people make smart decisions. We have built this reputation for many years by helping our readers with everyday questions and decisions. We have helped thousands of readers find answers.

Wild Explained follows an established editorial policy . Therefore, you can assume that your interests are our top priority. Our editorial team is composed of qualified professional editors and our articles are edited by subject matter experts who verify that our publications, are objective, independent and trustworthy.

Our content deals with topics that are particularly relevant to you as a recipient - we are always on the lookout for the best comparisons, tips and advice for you.

Editorial integrity

Wild Explained operates according to an established editorial policy . Therefore, you can be sure that your interests are our top priority. The authors of Wild Explained research independent content to help you with everyday problems and make purchasing decisions easier.

Our principles

Your trust is important to us. That is why we work independently. We want to provide our readers with objective information that keeps them fully informed. Therefore, we have set editorial standards based on our experience to ensure our desired quality. Editorial content is vetted by our journalists and editors to ensure our independence. We draw a clear line between our advertisers and editorial staff. Therefore, our specialist editorial team does not receive any direct remuneration from advertisers on our pages.

Editorial independence

You as a reader are the focus of our editorial work. The best advice for you - that is our greatest goal. We want to help you solve everyday problems and make the right decisions. To ensure that our editorial standards are not influenced by advertisers, we have established clear rules. Our authors do not receive any direct remuneration from the advertisers on our pages. You can therefore rely on the independence of our editorial team.

How we earn money

How can we earn money and stay independent, you ask? We'll show you. Our editors and experts have years of experience in researching and writing reader-oriented content. Our primary goal is to provide you, our reader, with added value and to assist you with your everyday questions and purchasing decisions. You are wondering how we make money and stay independent. We have the answers. Our experts, journalists and editors have been helping our readers with everyday questions and decisions for over many years. We constantly strive to provide our readers and consumers with the expert advice and tools they need to succeed throughout their life journey.

Wild Explained follows a strict editorial policy , so you can trust that our content is honest and independent. Our editors, journalists and reporters create independent and accurate content to help you make the right decisions. The content created by our editorial team is therefore objective, factual and not influenced by our advertisers.

We make it transparent how we can offer you high-quality content, competitive prices and useful tools by explaining how each comparison came about. This gives you the best possible assessment of the criteria used to compile the comparisons and what to look out for when reading them. Our comparisons are created independently of paid advertising.

Wild Explained is an independent, advertising-financed publisher and comparison service. We compare different products with each other based on various independent criteria.

If you click on one of these products and then buy something, for example, we may receive a commission from the respective provider. However, this does not make the product more expensive for you. We also do not receive any personal data from you, as we do not track you at all via cookies. The commission allows us to continue to offer our platform free of charge without having to compromise our independence.

Whether we get money or not has no influence on the order of the products in our comparisons, because we want to offer you the best possible content. Independent and always up to date. Although we strive to provide a wide range of offers, sometimes our products do not contain all information about all products or services available on the market. However, we do our best to improve our content for you every day.

Table of Contents

Yaks, majestic creatures of the Himalayan region , have long captured the imagination of people around the world. With their shaggy fur, curved horns, and powerful build , they are truly remarkable animals. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of yaks, exploring their physical characteristics, social structure, human interaction, conservation status, and the future they face in a changing world.

Understanding the Yak: A Basic Overview

Before delving deeper into the world of yaks, it is important to have a basic understanding of these fascinating creatures. Yaks, scientifically known as Bos grunniens, are a species of the bovine family. They are highly adapted to survive in harsh mountainous environments, with their thick fur and sturdy build.

Yaks have a rich history intertwined with the cultures of the Himalayan region. For centuries, they have been an integral part of the lives of the local communities, providing them with milk, meat, and wool. They are not only valued for their practical uses but also revered for their resilience and strength.

Physical Characteristics of Yaks

One of the defining features of yaks is their shaggy coat , which helps them withstand extreme cold temperatures. The coat can be either black, brown, or white, providing camouflage in their natural habitat. Yaks have long horns that curve backward , adding to their majestic appearance. Their sturdy hooves help them traverse rugged terrains and slippery slopes.

Yaks are large animals, typically weighing between 600 and 1,200 kilograms. Their height at the shoulder can reach up to two meters. These physical characteristics make yaks well-suited for life in high-altitude regions.

Furthermore, yaks have a unique adaptation that sets them apart from other bovine species. They have a larger lung capacity, allowing them to efficiently extract oxygen from the thin mountain air. This adaptation enables them to thrive in environments where oxygen levels are significantly lower than at sea level.

Habitat and Distribution

Yaks are primarily found in the Himalayan region, which spans across multiple countries including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. They inhabit the cold and rugged mountainous areas, thriving at altitudes between 3,000 and 5,000 meters.

These resilient creatures have evolved to survive in extreme conditions, where temperatures can plummet well below freezing. The high-altitude meadows and slopes provide yaks with a diverse range of vegetation to graze upon. They have developed a specialized digestive system that allows them to extract nutrients from coarse grasses and shrubs, which are abundant in their natural habitat.

Yaks are well-adapted to the challenging terrain of the Himalayas. Their strong muscular build and surefootedness enable them to navigate steep slopes and rocky paths with ease . They are capable of crossing treacherous mountain passes, making them an invaluable mode of transportation for the local communities.

It is worth noting that yaks have also been introduced to other parts of the world, such as North America and Europe, where they are bred for their meat and wool. However, their natural habitat remains the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, where they continue to play a vital role in the ecosystem and the lives of the people.

The Social Structure of Yaks

Yaks are social animals that live in herds . Understanding their social structure is key to comprehending their behavior and interactions within their environment.

Yaks, majestic creatures of the Himalayas, have a fascinating social structure that revolves around the formation of herds. These herds consist of one dominant male, known as the bull, multiple females, also known as cows, and their adorable offspring. The bull, with his immense size and strength, takes charge of leading and protecting the herd, ensuring their safety in the harsh mountainous terrain.

Within the herd, female yaks form strong bonds with each other, creating a tight-knit community. They work together to protect their young, displaying remarkable teamwork and cooperation. This unity among the female yaks is essential for the survival and well-being of their calves, as they face various challenges in their challenging environment.

Communication plays a vital role in maintaining social order within the yak herd. These magnificent creatures employ a combination of vocalizations, body language, and scent-marking to convey messages and establish their hierarchy. The bull, with his deep and resonant calls, asserts his dominance, while the cows use subtle vocalizations and body postures to communicate with each other and their young.

Herd Dynamics and Behavior

A typical yak herd consists of one dominant male, multiple females, and their offspring. The dominant male, known as the bull, leads and protects the herd. Female yaks, also known as cows, form strong bonds and work together to protect their young.

Yaks have their own unique ways of communication within the herd. They use a combination of vocalizations, body language, and scent-marking to convey messages and maintain social order.

Observing a yak herd in action is a mesmerizing experience. The bull, with his powerful presence, takes charge of leading the herd to grazing areas and water sources. He ensures the safety of his harem by vigilantly scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger . The cows, on the other hand, exhibit remarkable maternal instincts, nurturing and guiding their young ones with utmost care and affection.

As the herd moves across the rugged landscape, the yaks leave behind scent markings, which serve as territorial boundaries and communication signals for other herds. These markings, combined with their vocalizations and body postures, create a complex language that allows them to navigate their social interactions and maintain a harmonious balance within the herd.

Mating and Reproduction

Mating among yaks usually occurs during the summer and early autumn months. During this time, the dominant bull competes with other males for access to females. He establishes his territory and defends it vigorously.

The mating season is a time of intense competition and display of strength among the male yaks. They engage in fierce battles, using their massive horns to establish dominance and claim their right to mate. The victorious bull earns the privilege of mating with the receptive females, ensuring the survival of his genetic lineage.

Once the female conceives, which typically happens after a gestation period of around 8-9 months, she gives birth to a single calf. The mother provides nourishment and protection to the newborn calf until it grows strong enough to join the rest of the herd.

The birth of a yak calf is a joyous occasion for the entire herd. The mother diligently cares for her offspring, ensuring it receives the necessary nourishment and protection. The calf, with its adorable appearance and playful nature, brings a sense of joy and unity to the herd, strengthening their social bonds.

As the calf grows, it learns from its mother and other members of the herd, acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary for survival in the harsh mountain environment. The bond between the mother and calf remains strong, with the mother providing guidance and protection until the young yak reaches maturity.

The social structure of yaks is a testament to the remarkable adaptability and resilience of these magnificent creatures. Their ability to form strong social bonds, communicate effectively, and work together as a cohesive unit ensures their survival in the challenging Himalayan landscape.

Yaks and Human Interaction

Yaks have played a significant role in the lives of humans in the Himalayan region for centuries. Their unique characteristics and adaptability have made them valuable in agriculture, transportation, and cultural practices.

Yaks in Agriculture and Transportation

For the local communities living in the high-altitude regions, yaks have been instrumental in agriculture. They are used to plow fields, carry heavy loads, and transport goods across challenging terrains. Yaks’ endurance and strength make them ideal for these tasks.

Furthermore, yaks provide a vital source of milk, meat, and fiber for the local communities. Yak milk and butter are highly nutritious and are used to make traditional dairy products. The yak wool is spun into yarn and woven into warm clothing that protects against the cold.

Cultural Significance of Yaks

In addition to their practical uses, yaks hold an important place in the cultural traditions of the Himalayan communities. They are often portrayed in traditional folklore, music, and dance. Yaks are also featured in religious ceremonies and festivals, symbolizing strength, resilience, and prosperity.

Conservation Status of Yaks

Despite their cultural and practical significance, yaks face numerous threats and challenges that impact their survival in the wild.

Threats and Challenges

The expansion of human settlements, coupled with climate change, has resulted in the degradation of yak habitats. As their natural grazing grounds shrink, yaks are forced to compete for limited resources. Additionally, poaching for their meat and hides poses a threat to their populations.

Efforts for Yak Preservation

Recognizing the importance of yaks in the ecosystem and local communities, conservation organizations and governments are working together to protect and preserve these magnificent creatures. Efforts are being made to establish protected areas, promote sustainable grazing practices, and raise awareness about yak conservation.

The Future of Yaks: Predictions and Possibilities

As the world undergoes rapid changes, the future of yaks hangs in the balance. It is crucial to understand the potential impacts that climate change and technological advancements may have on these creatures.

Impact of Climate Change on Yaks

Yaks are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Rising temperatures can cause changes in vegetation patterns, disrupting their food sources. Furthermore, the melting of glaciers and loss of ice caps can lead to reduced water availability, further challenging the survival of yaks.

Technological Advancements in Yak Conservation

Despite the challenges, technology offers hope for yak conservation. Remote sensing tools can help monitor yak habitats and identify areas in need of protection. Additionally, innovative breeding programs can help maintain genetic diversity and strengthen yak populations.

The fascinating world of yaks continues to captivate researchers, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts. As we strive to protect these remarkable animals, it is crucial to appreciate their unique characteristics, understand their social dynamics, and work towards a sustainable future for yaks and their habitats.

Related articles

• Fresh Food for Cats – The 15 best products compared
• The Adorable Zuchon: A Guide to This Cute Hybrid Dog
• Exploring the Unique Characteristics of the Zorse
• Meet the Zonkey: A Unique Hybrid Animal
• Uncovering the Secrets of the Zokor: A Comprehensive Overview
• Understanding the Zebu: An Overview of the Ancient Cattle Breed
• Uncovering the Fascinating World of Zebrafish
• Watch Out! The Zebra Spitting Cobra is Here
• The Fascinating Zebra Tarantula: A Guide to Care and Maintenance
• The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker: A Closer Look
• Uncovering the Mystery of the Zebra Snake
• The Amazing Zebra Pleco: All You Need to Know
• Discovering the Fascinating Zebra Shark
• Understanding the Impact of Zebra Mussels on Freshwater Ecosystems
• Caring for Your Zebra Finch: A Comprehensive Guide
• The Fascinating World of Zebras
• The Adorable Yorkshire Terrier: A Guide to Owning This Lovable Breed
• The Adorable Yorkie Poo: A Guide to This Popular Dog Breed
• The Adorable Yorkie Bichon: A Perfect Pet for Any Home
• The Adorable Yoranian: A Guide to This Sweet Breed
• Discover the Deliciousness of Yokohama Chicken
• Uncovering the Mystery of the Yeti Crab
• Catching Yellowtail Snapper: A Guide to the Best Fishing Spots
• The Brightly Colored Yellowthroat: A Guide to Identification
• Identifying and Dealing with Yellowjacket Yellow Jackets
• The Yellowish Cuckoo Bumblebee: A Formerly Endangered Species
• The Yellowhammer: A Symbol of Alabama’s Pride
• The Benefits of Eating Yellowfin Tuna
• The Yellow-Faced Bee: An Overview
• The Majestic Yellow-Eyed Penguin
• The Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake: A Fascinating Creature
• The Benefits of Keeping a Yellow Tang in Your Saltwater Aquarium
• The Beautiful Black and Yellow Tanager: A Closer Look at the Yellow Tanager
• The Fascinating Yellow Spotted Lizard
• What You Need to Know About the Yellow Sac Spider
• Catching Yellow Perch: Tips for a Successful Fishing Trip
• The Growing Problem of Yellow Crazy Ants
• The Rare and Beautiful Yellow Cobra
• The Yellow Bullhead Catfish: An Overview
• Caring for a Yellow Belly Ball Python
• The Impact of Yellow Aphids on Agriculture
• Catching Yellow Bass: Tips and Techniques for Success
• The Striking Beauty of the Yellow Anaconda
• Understanding the Yarara: A Guide to This Unique Reptile
• The Yakutian Laika: An Overview of the Ancient Arctic Dog Breed
• Everything You Need to Know About Yabbies
• The Xoloitzcuintli: A Unique Breed of Dog
• Uncovering the Mystery of Xiongguanlong: A Newly Discovered Dinosaur Species
• Uncovering the Mysteries of the Xiphactinus Fish
• Exploring the Benefits of Xiaotingia: A Comprehensive Guide
• Camp Kitchen
• Camping Bags
• Camping Coolers
• Camping Tents
• Chair Rockers
• Emergency Sets
• Flashlights & Lanterns
• Grills & Picnic
• Insect Control
• Outdoor Electrical
• Sleeping Bags & Air Beds
• Wagons & Carts
• Beds and furniture
• Bowls and feeders
• Cleaning and repellents
• Collars, harnesses and leashes
• Crates, gates and containment
• Dental care and wellness
• Flea and tick
• Food and treats
• Grooming supplies
• Health and wellness
• Litter and waste disposal
• Toys for cats
• Vitamins and supplements
• Dog apparel
• Dog beds and pads
• Dog collars and leashes
• Dog harnesses
• Dog life jackets
• Dog travel gear
• Small dog gear
• Winter dog gear

© Copyright 2024 | Imprint | Privacy Policy | About us | How we work | Editors | Advertising opportunities

Certain content displayed on this website originates from Amazon. This content is provided "as is" and may be changed or removed at any time. The publisher receives affiliate commissions from Amazon on eligible purchases.

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges and Departments
• Email and phone search
• Give to Cambridge
• Museums and collections
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Fees and funding
• Postgraduate events
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement

How yaks and humans have lived in partnership for centuries

• Research home
• About research overview
• Animal research overview
• Overseeing animal research overview
• The Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body
• Animal welfare and ethics
• Report on the allegations and matters raised in the BUAV report
• What types of animal do we use? overview
• Guinea pigs
• Equine species
• Naked mole-rats
• Non-human primates (marmosets)
• Other birds
• Non-technical summaries
• Animal Welfare Policy
• Alternatives to animal use
• Further information
• Research integrity
• Horizons magazine
• Strategic Initiatives & Networks
• Nobel Prize
• Interdisciplinary Research Centres
• Open access
• Energy sector partnerships
• Podcasts overview
• S2 ep1: What is the future?
• S2 ep2: What did the future look like in the past?
• S2 ep3: What is the future of wellbeing?
• S2 ep4 What would a more just future look like?

The Cambridge Animal Alphabet series celebrates Cambridge’s connections with animals through literature, art, science and society. Here, Y is for Yak: an animal that is an integral part of high-altitude livelihoods throughout the Himalayas, Tibet and Central Asia.

In addition to the animals’ practical place in community livelihoods, yaks have a place in legends, songs and festivals Riamsara Kuyakanon Knapp

Scroll to the end of the article to listen to the podcast.

“It was already looking at me when I saw it. As it started moving down the hill towards me, I was very aware that I was alone, with the others far ahead and out of sight. I started running down the trail, and could hear its bell jangling as it came after me. Ahead was a plank bridge spanning the rushing torrents and boulders below, and I thought: ‘If it overtakes me on this, if I go over, that’s it.’ By the time I made it across to the shelter of an overhanging rock, my heart was racing and I was shaking. Like many prominent features in this sacred landscape, the rock was inscribed with a mantra, and indeed the very one I’d been reciting as I flew across that bridge.”

Few people have found themselves chased by a yak in the course of their academic research – but that’s what happened to Dr Riamsara Kuyakanon Knapp while studying for her PhD in Cambridge’s Department of Geography. She recalls: “Looking at the photo I took at the time, I can see that it’s blurry because I was trembling and gasping to catch my breath. The yak pursuing me down the trail was a female, or dzomo in the local language, and looks quite amicable in retrospect, but I wasn’t taking any chances!”

Her encounter with this female yak took place four years ago high in the Bhutan Himalaya. Yaks are powerfully built and not easily intimidated, and females are known to be protective of their young. Kuyakanon Knapp explains: “I think she was certainly on the lookout – I don’t know why she came after me, perhaps her calf was nearby, somewhere among the herd that was grazing in the rhododendron understory of the ancient evergreen forest. Grazing land in Bhutan, as elsewhere in the Himalaya, isn’t just grassy pastures but also comprises forest understory.”

Bhutan is famous for being the last Buddhist Himalayan kingdom, and is also renowned as a conservation landscape, due to its abundant forests and wildlife. Kuyakanon Knapp’s research focuses on understanding this cultural landscape, how people and environment interact to create a specific sense of “place” and, in particular, on the relationship between environmental conservation and Buddhist beliefs at multiple sites and scales. On the day of her yak encounter, Kuyakanon Knapp was on a pilgrimage trail, which passes through a remote region where the only inhabitants are monastics and herders who pasture their yaks in the high Himalaya during the summer. During the harsh winters yaks are brought down to ‘lower’ altitudes, around 3,500 metres above sea-level.

Yak herding has been part of life in the Himalayas for centuries, and yaks are uniquely adapted to their extreme environments, able to travel through and find forage in thick snow. The domesticated yak ( Bos grunniens or ‘grunting ox’) provides most of the resources needed for survival in a tough environment. Its meat is a precious source of protein. Milk from female yaks is drunk raw and churned to make butter and cheese. The animal’s wiry outer wool is used to make yarn for weaving into material for tents and blankets and its under-layer of softer fibre used to make clothing that keeps out the bitter winter cold.

Nothing produced by the yak is wasted. In Tibet, coracles for ferrying across the wide, rapid rivers were made from yak hide – a material that is both light and strong – stretched over a flexible willow frame. Dried yak dung fuels the portable stoves used for cooking. Last but not least, the sturdy yak is used for traction and transport over terrain far too rough for a vehicle.

Kuyakanon Knapp says: “The yak is an integral part of high-altitude livelihoods, particularly in Bhutan, but also throughout the Himalayas, Tibet and Central Asia. They are a much prized and beloved livestock, and yak-rearing knowledge is something people are proud of. In addition to the animals’ practical place in community livelihoods, yaks have a place in legends, songs and festivals. Deities are supplicated and propitiated so that they will safeguard the welfare of herds.” The semi-nomadic Brokpa people of eastern Bhutan have a very special yak cham or ‘yak dance’, and the high-altitude village of Ura in central Bhutan has both the yak lha propitiation ceremony, and yak choe annual festival. Researcher Dr Karma Phuntsho (formerly at Cambridge’s Department of Social Anthropology) has written evocatively about how globalisation manifests in the changing practices of a village festival.

Yak herders know their environment intimately, and this knowledge is culturally encoded, as seminal studies by Bhutanese scholars, such as Dasho Karma Ura of the Centre for Bhutan Studies in Thimphu, have shown. Building on this, conservation efforts by the Royal Government of Bhutan, the Bhutan Foundation and WWF have enlisted the help of herders to camera-trap the elusive snow leopard in order to better understand the ecology of this endangered species. The award-winning film The Yak Herder’s Son documents the friendship between a national park ranger and a young yak herder, asking the vital question of how all those who share the land – livestock, predator, herder, ranger – can live together in harmony.

For centuries, Bhutan, a Buddhist Himalayan kingdom, was effectively ‘closed’ to visitors and even today visas are hard to obtain. “As a researcher seeking permission to visit or work in Bhutan, you are likely to go through a rigorous application process. It’s very important to respect national and cultural sensibilities. Accountability and collaboration are essential, as they should be everywhere, but unfortunately this isn’t always the case. Especially in western or Euro-centric knowledge production, there is a real history of colonial extraction and appropriation that we need to be aware of and resist, as it still exists,” says Kuyakanon Knapp.

Westernised urbanites tend to romanticise life in stunningly beautiful and remote areas – and to lament the passing of traditional ways of life - but the reality of making ends meet for the average herder or farmer is far from idyllic. Like everyone else, Bhutanese farmers and villagers want to enjoy some of life’s comforts and for their children to attend school and have more choices.  “Families want to have electricity in their homes, to cook rice and watch television, to have serviceable roads and cars for accessing markets and healthcare,” says Kuyakanon Knapp.

“Despite these shifts, the role of religion and religious devotion in daily life remain great, and this is what drew me to working in Bhutan, to understand a way of modernising without severing culture and tradition. It is deeply impressive to see that, on a fundamental level, most people in the countryside still value spiritual well-being above material well-being. The state is trying to ensure that this need not be a mutually exclusive choice through the Gross National Happiness (GNH) developmental framework.”

The Himalayas have long been a magnet for western travellers, who have included mountaineers, naturalists and collectors. Cambridge’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA) holds an exceptional collection of photographs taken by Frederick and Margaret Williamson, who took advantage of a colonial posting in Sikkim to travel extensively in the region during the 1930s. The adjacent Haddon Library for archaeology and anthropology has a collection of some 62,000 publications gathered over nearly 90 years, including rare books relating to the Himalayas.

“I’ll not forget the time I went into the Haddon and first picked up Nari Rustomji’s Bhutan Venture: A Guest at the Royal Court, documenting his trip to Bhutan in the 1955. He was, in his own words, ‘the first Indian after independence’ to visit Bhutan, which ‘was then regarded, like Tibet, as the forbidden land’. Written in ink on the fly leaf was that this book was a gift to the Haddon Library from the author, via the managers of the Frederick Williamson Memorial Fund. It was a direct connection to the past, to lived experience, and to the thinking and life history of a key historical actor. Rustomji’s admiration for the Bhutanese, and his travels in Bhutan took me straight back to my fieldwork year,” says Kuyakanon Knapp.

“Later I went and looked at some of the images in the Williamson Collection, and also read Margaret Williamson’s book Memoirs of a Political Officer's Wife in Tibet, Sikkim and Bhutan which includes a wonderful description of travelling on the back of a pony and then a yak in the 1930s.”

In recollections published in 1987, Williamson paints a vivid picture of the journey she undertook with her husband. “Having passed a moraine and the Tsogyu lake, we exchanged our ponies for sure-footed yaks, which were better-suited to high-altitude travelling. Mine was a nice, brown, silken-haired animal. We climbed higher and higher until we reached the foot of the glacier. On the way we passed more lakes and also saw some bharal (wild blue sheep). It was hard going even for yak over the ice, but in two and a half hours we reached the Mon-la Kar Chung pass … Gigantic crags … reared up on all sides, with the snow and ice on their knife-edged ridges glistening brilliantly in the crisp morning sunshine. Derrick [Frederick] and I stood there, utterly amazed at the sublime beauty and grandeur of the Himalayas.”

Next in the  Cambridge Animal Alphabet : Z is for a transparent animal that provides a surprisingly good model for studying tuberculosis.

Have you missed the series so far? Catch up on Medium  here .

Inset images: Travelling by yak in the 1930s, Tibet (©MAA N.101191.WIL, photograph taken by Frederick Williamson); Ku-Dru (Yak skin boats) in Tibet (©MAA N.103814.WIL, photograph by Frederick Williamson); The yak choe festival in the village of Ura (Riamsara Kuyakanon Knapp).

Read this next

A new way of thinking about the economy could help protect the Amazon, and help its people thrive

Fish bellies, fava beans and food security

Partha Dasgupta wins BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge Award for Economics

Established Academic 2023

Yaks crossing mountain pass, Tibet - Bhutan

Credit: ©MAA, N.101188.WIL, photograph by Frederick Williamson

Search research

Sign up to receive our weekly research email.

Our selection of the week's biggest Cambridge research news sent directly to your inbox. Enter your email address, confirm you're happy to receive our emails and then select 'Subscribe'.

I wish to receive a weekly Cambridge research news summary by email.

The University of Cambridge will use your email address to send you our weekly research news email. We are committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent about what information we hold. Please read our email privacy notice for details.

• Cambridge Animal Alphabet
• conservation
• Riamsara Kuyakanon Knapp
• Department of Geography
• Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
• School of the Physical Sciences
• School of the Humanities and Social Sciences

Connect with us

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility statement
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• Terms and conditions
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Cambridge University Press & Assessment
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...

What Is a Yak? 8 Spectacular Facts About Yaks

Yaks are big, hardy herbivores whose past — and future — is closely linked with ours.

• Georgia State University
• Young Harris College

SakSa/Shutterstock

• Animal Rights
• Endangered Species

The yak is a large, long-haired, long-horned bovid from the Himalayas, where it has long played a key role in the region's ecology and human culture.

Yaks' hardiness and simple diets of grass have made them popular pack animals, companions, and sources of food and fabric for centuries. And their popularity as livestock is now spreading around the world, as people look for alternatives to traditional livestock like cows. So it's worth learning a bit more about the yak and its place in history.

1. There Are 2 Different Yak Species

The wild yak (Bos mutus) is now commonly seen as a separate species from the domestic yak (Bos grunniens). Like a number of bovine species, they likely descended from aurochs, an extinct species of large cattle. Yaks probably split from aurochs between 1 million and 5 million years ago .

A key difference between wild and domestic yaks is size. Domesticated yaks are normally smaller than wild yaks, with males weighing 600 to 1,100 pounds (300 to 500 kilograms) and females weighing 400 to 600 pounds (180 to 270 kg). A male wild yak can weigh more than 2,000 pounds (900 kg). For comparison, an average male cow tops out at around 1,500 pounds (680 kg).

2. Wild Yaks Were Domesticated Around 5,000 Years Ago

The Qiang people lived along the Tibetan Plateau borderlands, near Qinghai Lake, and they are considered to be responsible for the domestication of the yak. Records from the Han dynasty indicate the Qiang had a "Yak state" from 221 B.C. to 220 A.D. This "state" was a trade network that predated the Silk Road. Genetic testing supports this domestication time frame .

The domesticated yak is an incredibly useful animal for humans. It works as a pack animal, and its body can provide meat that's leaner than cow beef, as well as clothing and fabric for shelters and ropes.

3. Yak Milk May Be a Superfood

Few parts of a yak are wasted in the highlands of Asia, and this is particularly true of its milk. In 2008, the China Nutrition Society (a research institute backed by the country's Ministry of Health) declared yak milk to contain more amino acids, calcium, and vitamin A than cow milk. According to a 2011 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, "Yak milk is called natural concentrated milk because of its high fat (5.5-7.5%), protein (4.0-5.9%) and lactose (4.0-5.9%) content during the main lactating period."

Yak butter is the key ingredient in yak butter tea. Made using black tea and salt, the tea is topped off with a helping of butter to add some healthy fats and calories.

4. Yaks Can Handle Temperatures as Low as Minus 40 Degrees

All that hair isn't just cosmetic. Yaks evolved to endure bitterly cold winters on the Tibetan Plateau, largely with a thick fleece of coarse outer hair and an undercoat of fine down. Yaks also prepare for winter by adding fat, and their thick skin helps them retain body heat. According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), yaks can survive in ambient temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius .

On the other hand, yaks' sweat glands are mostly not functional, the FAO adds, which is one reason why yaks don't fare well in hot weather.

5. Yak Be Nimble, Yak Be Quick

Yaks are nimbler than they appear. Not only are domesticated yaks used as racing animals at traditional festivals in some countries, but their wild relatives are also capable of impressive agility for such large creatures.

They are sure-footed enough to walk freely in mountainous areas where horses and sheep can't tread, according to the FAO, and they don't panic like a horse might when they start to sink in a marsh. Instead, they spread out their legs and plod forward with a swimming-like motion until they get free. They can also swim across rapids in a river, and are so adept at trudging through snow that they can help clear paths for people, the FAO adds, "like a biological snow plough."

6. Domestic Yaks Are Thriving While Wild Yaks Are Dying Out

The wild yak, once widespread in the Tibetan Plateau, is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with only an estimated 7,500 to 10,000 mature individuals left in the wild.

Domesticated yaks, however, are prevalent across much of the world. An estimated 14 million to 15 million live in the highlands of Asia alone.

7. Yak Ranching Is on the Rise in North America

Yaks may be native to the Himalayas, but they no longer appear only in Asia. While there were only about 600 yaks in North America 30 years ago, according to Kansas State Research and Extension , the continent is now home to at least 5,000 registered yaks, and possibly many more.

Yaks only eat about a third of what cows eat, according to some advocates of yak ranching, and despite their heft, they're known for causing less damage to the environment as they forage. These massive animals have surprisingly small, nimble hooves, resulting in less trampling damage. They can also be more self-reliant than cattle, are relatively disease-resistant, and have a reputation for being calm and docile, lacking the sometimes troublesome demeanor of bison.

8. Yak Fiber Is the New Cashmere

Cashmere comes from Mongolian goat hair. These large herds of goats can be hard on the grassland environment, however, trampling the ground in a way that may add to the existing threat of desertification driven by climate change. Yaks reportedly have a lighter footprint overall, and their hair is as soft and as warm as cashmere, according to boosters of the fiber. While yak fiber has been used for thousands of years in Asia, getting it to clothing stores in the West has been more challenging.

Save the Wild Yak

• Spread awareness about the existence of wild yaks. Many people are familiar with domesticated yaks, but don't even realize another yak species still lives in the wild and is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
• Whenever buying a product made from yaks, try to confirm that it came from domesticated yaks and not their wild counterparts.

Li, H., Ma, Y., Li, Q., Wang, J., Cheng, J., Xue, J. and Shi, J., 2011. The Chemical Composition and Nitrogen Distribution of Chinese Yak (Maiwa) Milk .  International Journal of Molecular Sciences , 12(8), pp.4885-4895. doi:10.3390/ijms12084885

• What Is a Tanuki? 8 Surprising Tanuki Facts
• 8 Wonderful Facts About Wombats
• 8 Mystical Ocelot Facts
• 8 Unexpected Cockroach Facts
• 8 Amazing Facts About Emus
• 8 Incredible Facts About Tarantulas
• 8 Surprising Facts About Orcas
• 8 Facts About the Australian Bilby
• 8 Mesmerizing Facts About Moths
• 8 Surprising Facts About Badgers
• 8 Fast Facts About Sloths
• 8 Facts About the Wonderful Walrus
• 8 Fast Facts You Didn't Know About Cheetahs
• 8 Facts About the Amazing Cuttlefish
• 8 Facts You Might Not Know About Gazelles
• 8 Peculiar Facts About Porcupines

Homework Wala

10 lines on Yak in English – Best for classes 2, 3, 4 & 5

Table of content.

• 10 Lines Essay On Yak In English
• 5 Lines On Yak
• Short Essay On Yak

About This Article

Through this article, we are sharing 10 Lines Essay on Yak in English. This post will help those students who are looking short essay on Yak.

If any student wants to write 10 lines paragraph on Yak then, this post is very useful for them. Information about Yak is very simple and easy for writing purposes.

These sentences on Yak are very short and easy to understand, so any level of student can write about Yak.

10 Lines Essay On Yak In English.

• A yak is a large animal whose entire body is covered with hair.
• Yak is also known as Chamri cow or Suragaya.
• The horns of the Yak are very long and sharp.
• Yak is a herbivore that eats grass and leaves.
• Yak lives in cold and mountainous areas.
• The color of yak is mostly black, brown, white, or spotted.
• The large thick hair on the body of yaks keeps their body warm.
• The weight of a yak can range from 300 to 1000 kg.
• They have a calm nature which can be easily tamed.
• Yaks are also used for riding and carrying loads.

You May Also Like

• 10 Lines Essay On Rabbit In English
• 10 Lines Essay On Horse In English

5 Lines On Yak In English.

• A yak is a hairy herbivorous animal.
• Yak’s horns are long and sharp.
• The color of a yak can be black, brown, white, or spotted.
• One can easily be domesticated and is used for carrying burdens and for riding.

Short Essay On Yak In 200 Words

Yak is a large and hairy animal, which is a species of cow. Yak is also known as Chamri cow or Suragaya. The scientific name of Yak is Bos grunniens. Yak is herbivorous and eats grass, leaves, and other vegetation. The yak has long and sharp horns, which it uses to protect itself and break ice.

Yak lives in cold and mountainous areas, such as Tibet, Nepal, and the northern regions of India. The yak’s body is covered with thick and long hair to keep warm. The color of yak is black, brown, white, or spotted. The weight of a yak can range from 300 to 1000 kg.

Yak can be easily domesticated, and used for milk, for riding, and for carrying a burden. Yak milk is rich in amino acids, calcium, and vitamin A. Yak is a useful and unique animal.

Q. What is the scientific name of yak?

Ans: The scientific name of Yak is Bos grunniens.

Q. What kind of animal is yak?

Ans: Yak is a large and hairy herbivorous animal, which is a species of cow.

Q. Where does a yak live?

Ans: Yak lives in cold and mountainous areas, such as Tibet, Nepal, and the northern regions of India.

Q. What color is yak?

Ans: The color of a yak can be black, brown, white, or spotted.

Q. What are yaks bred for?

Ans: Yak can be easily domesticated, and used for milk, for riding, and for carrying a burden.

Q. What are yak horns used for?

Ans: The yak has long and sharp horns, which it uses to protect itself and break ice.

We hope! You will get some learning through this article. If you really like this article about Yak in English, then please share it with your friends.

We working on helping the students to do their homework in a simple and easy way. Essay writing on Yak is generally asked the students in Schools.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• History & Society
• Science & Tech
• Biographies
• Animals & Nature
• Geography & Travel
• Arts & Culture
• Games & Quizzes
• On This Day
• One Good Fact
• New Articles
• Lifestyles & Social Issues
• Philosophy & Religion
• Politics, Law & Government
• World History
• Health & Medicine
• Browse Biographies
• Birds, Reptiles & Other Vertebrates
• Bugs, Mollusks & Other Invertebrates
• Environment
• Fossils & Geologic Time
• Entertainment & Pop Culture
• Sports & Recreation
• Visual Arts
• Demystified
• Image Galleries
• Infographics
• Top Questions
• Britannica Kids
• Saving Earth
• Space Next 50
• Student Center

• How are mammals distinct from other animals?
• Why is the platypus a mammal?
• What are the basic functional systems of animals?

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• Animal Diversity Web - Yak
• IndiaNetzone - Yak
• yak - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
• yak - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

yak , ( Bos grunniens ), long-haired, short-legged oxlike mammal that was probably domesticated in Tibet but has been introduced wherever there are people at elevations of 4,000–6,000 metres (14,000–20,000 feet), mainly in China but also in Central Asia , Mongolia , and Nepal .

Wild yaks are sometimes referred to as a separate species ( Bos mutus ) to differentiate them from domestic yaks, although they are freely interbred with various kinds of cattle . Wild yaks are larger, the bulls standing up to 2 metres tall at the shoulder and weighing over 800 kg (1,800 pounds); cows weigh less than half as much. In China, where they are known as “hairy cattle,” yaks are heavily fringed with long black hair over a shorter blackish or brown undercoat that can keep them warm to –40 °C (−40 °F). Colour in domesticated yaks is more variable, and white splotches are common. Like bison (genus Bison ), the head droops before high massive shoulders; horns are 80 cm (30 inches) long in the males, 50 cm in females.

It is not known with certainty when yaks were domesticated, although it is likely that they were first bred as beasts of burden for the caravans of Himalayan trade routes. Yaks’ lung capacity is about three times that of cattle, and they have more and smaller red blood cells, improving the blood’s ability to transport oxygen. Domesticated yaks number at least 12 million and were bred for tractability and high milk production. Yaks are also used for plowing and threshing, as well as for meat , hides, and fur. The dried dung of the yak is the only obtainable fuel on the treeless Tibetan plateau .

Ruminant grazers, wild yaks migrate seasonally to the lower plains to eat grasses and herbs. When it gets too warm, they retreat to higher plateaus to eat mosses and lichens, which they rasp off rocks with their rough tongues. Their dense fur and few sweat glands make life below 3,000 metres difficult, even in winter. Yaks obtain water by eating snow when necessary. In the wild, they live in mixed herds of about 25, though some males live in bachelor groups or alone. Yaks seasonally aggregate into larger groups. Breeding occurs in September–October. Calves are born about nine months later and nursed for a full year. The mother breeds again in the fall after the calf has been weaned.

Wild yaks once extended from the Himalayas to Lake Baikal in Siberia , and in the 1800s they were still numerous in Tibet. After 1900 they were hunted almost to extinction by Tibetan and Mongolian herders and military personnel. Small numbers survive in northern Tibet and the Ladakh steppe of India , but they are not effectively protected. They are also endangered because of interbreeding with domestic cattle.

In the family Bovidae , the yak belongs to the same genus as cattle as well as the banteng , gaur , and kouprey of Southeast Asia . More distantly related are the American and European bison. Bos and Bison diverged from water buffalo (genus Bubalus ) and other wild bovines about three million years ago. Despite its ability to breed with cattle, it has been argued that the yak should be returned to its former genus, Poephagus .

• Fundamentals NEW

• Biographies
• Compare Countries
• World Atlas

Some yaks live in the wild, but they are very rare. Wild yaks have blackish brown hair and large horns. Wild males may weigh up to 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms). Females are smaller. Wild yaks live in herds made up of females and young animals. Adult males live alone or in smaller groups.

Domestic, or tamed, yaks are much smaller than wild yaks. They can be red, brown, black, or black and white. They have smaller horns than wild yaks. Some domestic yaks have no horns.

People use domestic yaks for carrying and pulling heavy loads. Yaks are also kept for their meat and milk. The hair is used to make rope and cloth. The skin is used for caps, coats, and blankets.

It’s here: the NEW Britannica Kids website!

We’ve been busy, working hard to bring you new features and an updated design. We hope you and your family enjoy the NEW Britannica Kids. Take a minute to check out all the enhancements!

• The same safe and trusted content for explorers of all ages.
• Accessible across all of today's devices: phones, tablets, and desktops.
• Improved homework resources designed to support a variety of curriculum subjects and standards.
• A new, third level of content, designed specially to meet the advanced needs of the sophisticated scholar.
• And so much more!

Want to see it in action?

Start a free trial

To share with more than one person, separate addresses with a comma

Choose a language from the menu above to view a computer-translated version of this page. Please note: Text within images is not translated, some features may not work properly after translation, and the translation may not accurately convey the intended meaning. Britannica does not review the converted text.

After translating an article, all tools except font up/font down will be disabled. To re-enable the tools or to convert back to English, click "view original" on the Google Translate toolbar.

• Privacy Notice
• Terms of Use

• Skip to main content

India’s Largest Career Transformation Portal

10 Lines on Yak in English

February 5, 2024 by Sandeep

Yaks are species with thick hair that keeps them warm in different temperatures as low as -40°C. These furry animals are found in cold regions. Their cloven hooves provide excellent grip on steep terrain, allowing them to navigate the rugged mountains easily.

Their grunts or sounds often help in identifying danger. Since they are found in mountain regions, they are also used to climbing these mountains. Their cloven hooves provide excellent grip on steep mountains.

They are essential for the Himalayan ecosystem. But unfortunately, the wild Yaks are facing the threat of being endangered. This can be very bad for humans because they help humans in various manners.  You can read more about Yaks in the sets of ten lines provided below.

Below, we have provided 10 lines on Yak for classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 students, written in easy and simple words. These 10 lines can help you compose an essay, paragraph, composition, and summary on Yak.

10 Lines on Yak

• A yak is a woolly animal.
• It is also called a Chamri cow or Suragaya in the local language.
• Its scientific name is Bos grunniens.
• Yaks are noted for their long and sharp horns.
• A yak can be black, brown, white, or spotted in color.
• Yaks are grass-eating animals.
• They are domesticated animal.
• Yaks can weigh from 300 to 1000 kg.
• They are utilized for carrying goods, providing milk, and riding.
• Yaks typically inhabit cold areas.

10 Lines and Sentences on Yak

• Yaks have a calm nature.
• A yak is hairy, and this hair protects it from getting cold.
• It is a herbivore.
• Yaks can be found in Northern India, like Himachal Pradesh, and in countries like Nepal and Tibet.
• The sharp horns of Yaks can break the ice.
• Many tourists use Yaks as entertainment and pay to get their pictures clicked and to ride them.
• They are powerful animals.
• They are friendly to human beings.
• Their lungs are three times larger than cattle, allowing them to absorb more oxygen from the thin air.
• They live in herds of up to 100 individuals, led by a dominant female.

5 Lines on Yak

• Yaks are covered with fur all over their body.
• Their thick fur makes warm fabrics, ropes, and tents.
• They are friends to humans due to their gentle nature, and many people depend on their survival.
• Young Yaks wrestle with each other and chase each other.
• They are skilled rock climbers.

We hope you LIKE these few sentences – 10 Lines on Yak. You can find more 10 lines essays  on various topics such as events, sports, festivals, technology, and many more.

Explore More – 10 Lines Essays You May Find Interesting

• 10 Lines on Parrot
• 10 Lines on Tiger
• 10 Lines on Peacock
• 10 Lines on Dog
• 10 Lines on Cow
• 10 Lines on Butterfly
• 10 Lines on Elephant

Talk to our experts

1800-120-456-456

Introduction

A yak is an animal that has long hair with short legs. It comes under the category of cattle, buffalo, and bison. Yak are mostly found in high-altitude areas such as Tibet, and Central Asia. Since they mostly live in cold areas with less number of plants they have to travel a large distance in search of grasses to eat. In the winter season, they sometimes eat the snow.

Yak are of two types - Domestic Yak and Wild Yak. Domestic yak is used by people for domestic work such as carrying and bullying heavy loads and on the other hand, Wild yak lives in wild areas. Wild yak has blackish-brown hairs and very large horns.

Yak Animal Information

A yak is an animal that mostly lives in cold areas with less number of plants. They have to travel a large distance in search of grasses to eat. In the winter season, they sometimes eat the snow. There are two types of Yak: Domestic Yak and Wild Yak. The Scientific name of Yak is Bos grunniens. Yaks are found in open hills and alpine meadows. They are herbivorous in nature which means they feed on grass and leaves.

A yak cart is a two-wheeled or sometimes four-wheeled vehicle pulled by a yak. It is one of the modes of transportation used in high-altitude areas to carry and bully heavy loads. In a Yak cart, the cart is connected by a yak. The driver sits in the front of the cart and the load is placed at the back.

Facts About Yak

The main food of yak is grass and herbs.

The name of the young yak is a calf.

A yak comes under the category of mammals.

The lifespan of yak is generally 15-20 yrs.

The yak generally weighs from 300-1000kg.

Similar to goats, cow yaks also produce milk all year round. As compared to goats they produce eight times more than a goat.

Yaks are one the integral parts of the culture and social functions in hilly areas.

Uses of Yak 

The milk of yak is used to make butter and many other dairy products.

The yak meat of yak is eaten by many people.

They are used as transportation in hilly areas.

The yak dung also acts as the main source of fuel in mountain areas.

The yak is also used by farmers to do ploughing, threshing etc.

Learning by Doing:

Sample questions .

1. In which of the region yaks are found ______________.

Uttarakhand

Himachal Pradesh

Ans: Ladakh

2. Which animal is found in Hilly areas?

3. Name the animal given below.

In the above section, we discussed yak animals. We briefly provided an introduction to the yak animal and also discussed its corresponding features. Yak are mostly found in high-altitude areas such as Tibet, and Central Asia. The yak generally comes under the category of buffalo, cattle and bison. The Scientific name of Yak is Bos grunniens . Yak are of two types: Domestic Yak and Wild Yak. In the later section, we discussed yak carts which are used as transportation in hilly areas.

FAQs on About Yak

1. Who is the main species in Yak? 

The wild yak (Bosmutus) and the domestic yak are the two primary species of yak (Bosgrunniens).

2. What is the population of the wild Yak population?

The Tibetan plateau was thought to be home to around a million wild yaks about 50 years ago. There are about 10,000 or more wild yaks in the world. Therefore, the species is presently on the verge of extinction. Loss of habitat and excessive human hunting are a few of the key issues endangering the species. The number of domestic yaks has dramatically expanded over this time. There are currently between 14 and 15 million yaks in Asia. Additionally, there are roughly 5,000 yaks registered in North America.

3. Why does Yak have long hair?

The yak has long hair to keep them warm from the cold.

4. Who are the natural predators of Yak?

Tibetan wolves and snow leopards are the yak's primary natural predators.

Bos grunniens

Yaks can live at altitudes up to 20,000 feet--the highest of any land-dwelling mammal. Continue Reading after the facts...

Advertisement

Yak Scientific Classification

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals .

Yak Conservation Status

• Near Threatened

Yak Locations

Yak Physical Characteristics

Yak pictures.

View all of our Yak pictures in the gallery.

View all of the Yak images!

How to Add Us to Google News

Yaks are heavily built animals with a sturdy frame that have long, thick hair.

Yaks are animals that are native to Tibet and China but are also found in Mongolia, Nepal, and Central Asia. Scientists believe that Qiang tribespeople domesticated yak animals at least 5,000 years ago, a claim supported by genetic evidence. However, some Tibetan peoples may have possibly domesticated yaks as long as 10,000 years ago. Domestic yaks far outnumber wild ones and are bred for their tractability for plowing and threshing, high milk production, meat, hides, and fur.

Incredible Yak facts!

• Domestic yak, unlike their counterparts in the wild, often make grunting noises , leading to the nickname, “The Grunting Ox.”
• Yaks are animals with three times the lung capacity of cows and have more and smaller red blood cells, which allows them to transport oxygen more efficiently.
• They can withstand frigid temperatures that can reach as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit .
• Yaks have trouble thriving at lower altitudes and become prone to heat exhaustion when temperatures are above 59 degrees Fahrenheit.
• When a yak animal dies of natural causes, its bones find new life as jewelry and tent fastenings per Buddhist teachings.

Scientific Name

Yaks are members of the bovine family and are related to cows and buffalo , all of which are likely descended from aurochs , an extinct species of cattle. Yak animals split from aurochs sometime between one million and five million years ago. Scientists classify the wild (Bos mutus) and domestic yaks (Bos grunniens) as two distinct species. The English word yak derives from the Tibetan word “yag.” The scientific name of both species refers to the sounds or lack thereof that these animals make. Bos mutus , means mute ox, while Bos grunniens means grunting ox. They belong to Bovidae, the same family as the Asian water buffalo , the African buffalo , and the American bison . The key difference between the two species is size, with wild males weighing up to two times more than their domestic counterparts. Domestic yaks are descended from wild species.

Yaks are related to cows and buffalo, all of which are likely descended from aurochs, an extinct species of cattle.

©Daniel Prudek/Shutterstock.com

It’s generally believed that aurochs ( Bos primigenius ) are the extinct ancestors of the modern yak. They originated as members of the Pleistocene megafauna (2,580,000 to 11,700 years ago), and flourished during the Holocene Era, sporting huge broad horns up to 31 inches in length. The aurochs, which probably evolved in Asia, spread to the north and west during warmer interglacial periods. This species became extinct in 1627 due to habitat loss and hunting.

Articles Mentioning Yak

• 10 Animals That Yield Wool
• 13 Animals That Produce Milk
• 12 Working Animals That You Can Ride
• The 10 Absolute Strongest Animals on Earth: Pure Force From Land to Sea
• Watch The Moment When a Bear Waves at a Family Driving By
• 13 Animals That Have Glorious Manes (It’s Not Just Lions!)
• Where Is Mount Everest? Map Location, Country, and Surrounding Areas
• Sasquatch vs. Yeti: 5 Key Differences
• 12 Amazing Cheeses That Start With T
• Discover 12 Animals That Live on Mount Everest

See all of our entertaining and insightful animal articles .

One theory suggests yaks are more closely related to bison. If that’s the case, yaks could have diverged from cattle from 1-5 million years ago. Either way, wild yaks became domesticated in central Asia 7,000-10,000 years ago.

Types of Domestic Yak

The domestic yak (Bos grunniens) has several dozen recognized sub-species, whereas the wild yak (Bos mutus) is it’s own species, but there’s little data on sub-groups. Of the known domestic yaks, here’s a list of 36:

• Afghanistan Yak – Native to Afghanistan. They thrive in high altitudes with low atmospheric pressure and low oxygen.
• Altai Yak – Native to Mongolia.  Alpine type with long black or white coat.
• Arunachali Yak – Native to India. Medium sized, compact body with black coat.
• Batang Yak – Native to China. Used for their milk.
• Bazhou Yak – Native to China. Large, rectangular frame with solid black or black and white.
• Chour-gau Yak – Native to India. They thrive in high altitudes, low atmospheric pressure and low oxygen content of air.
• Datong Yak – Native to China. Developed at Datong yak farm (1983-86) by crossing wild yak bulls with the Huanhu yak. 
• Gannan Yak – Native to China. Strong body, muscular, and black in color. 
• Guoluo Yak – Native to China. Used for milking.
• Haapa Yak – Native to Bhutan. Originated in Tibet and usually has a black coat.
• Hangai Yak – Native to Mongolia. Inhabit Hangai mountains and woodland pastures at elevations of 1800-3000 meters. Large-framed with varied coat colors.
• Heihe Yak – Native to China. Used for milking.
• Huanhu Yak – Native to China. Small frame with most having a black-brown coat.
• Indian Yak – Native to India. Four breeds: Ladakhi or Changthang, Himachali, Garhwali, Arunachali. Coat colors and patterns vary.
• Jiali/Alpine Yak – Native to China. Coloring varies with spotted, pure black, or white, brown or gray.
• Jinchuan Yak – Native to China. They provide a high quality milk and a high yield of meat, and are hearty.
• Jiulong Yak – Native to China. They have tall, large bodies that are typically all black or black and white.
• Khainag Yak – Native to Mongolia. Breed has long legs with wide steps, easy to train for transport, calm, persistent and can be used to lead the herd to cross water and snowdrifts.
• Kyrgyz Yak – Native to China. Known for high quality meat.
• Maiwa yak – Native to China. Medium-sized with black or black and white coloring.
• Merakpa Yak – Native to Bhutan. Smaller size and colored black and white or brown.
• Muli Yak – Native to China. Large frame with all black or black with white spots.
• Nepal Yak – Native to Nepal. They are raised in 3000 meters above sea level in trans-Himalyan region.
• Niangya Yak, Liangya – Native to China. Most are pure black, used for milking.
• Pakistan Yak – Native to Pakistan. Inhabit altitudes higher than 3000-7000 meters above sea level.
• Pali Yak – Native to china. Rectangular, strong body, mostly all black.
• Plateau Yak of Qinghai – Native to China. Genes of wild yak mixed into this breed, so has some characteristics of the wild yaks. 
• Russian Federation Yak – Native to Russia. They thrive in high altitudes, low atmospheric pressure and low oxygen content of air.
• Sarlag Yak – Native to China. They thrive in high altitudes, low atmospheric pressure and low oxygen content of air.
• Shandang Yak – Native to China. Known for it’s milk.
• Sibu Yak, Tibetan High Mountain Yak – Native to China. Large, rectangular body and horns.
• Tajikistan Yak – Native to Tajikistan. They thrive in high altitudes, low atmospheric pressure and low oxygen content of air.
• Tianzhu White Yak – Native to China. Pure white coat.
• Zhongdian Yak – Native to China. Vigorous and beefy constitution with cuneiform body types.
• Tibet High Mountainous Yak – Native to China.
• Xingjiang Yak – Native to China. Adaptable to alpine areas at the altitude of 2400-4000 meters.

Appearance and Behavior

All yaks are similar in appearance, although, as previously mentioned, wild yaks are larger. Wild yaks generally have darker, blackish-to-brown hair, while domestic species have wider color variations that include rusty brown and cream. All have warm, dense fur that hangs below their bellies and a wooly undercoat that covers their chest, flanks, and thighs. They have bulky frames and sturdy legs that end in rounded, cloven hooves. Their firm horns are also used for defense, allowing them to break through the snow in winter to find food buried beneath. Both males and females have short necks with a pronounced hump over the shoulders, although this characteristic is more pronounced in males. They have tails that are long and look more like those of horses than of cable.

Domesticated yaks are smaller as males generally weigh 600 to 1,100 pounds, while females range from 400 to 600 pounds. Wild males can weigh as much as 2,200 pounds. The height of domestic males varies, but they generally top out at 44 to 54 inches at the withers, while females are 41 to 46 inches at the withers. Females have four teats with an udder that is small and hairy. The same can be said of the male scrotum. The size and hairy coverings are protection against the cold.

Wild yak animals live in herds of several hundred animals, comprised primarily of females and their young with only a few males. Most males live on their own or live in smaller bachelor groups of about six until just before mating season when they will typically rejoin the larger herd. They generally avoid humans and may flee, although they can become aggressive when defending young or when in a rut when males regularly fight amongst themselves to establish dominance. Typical rut behavior includes non-violent displays, along with attacks such as bellowing and scraping the ground with their horns. Bulls will also repeatedly charge at one another with their heads lowered or will spar with their horns. Males often wallow in dry soil during rut and scent-mark with urine or dung.

Yaks have bulky frames, sturdy legs that end in rounded, cloven hooves, and firm, rounded horns.

©Olga Eromenko/Shutterstock.com

Wild yaks are animals that live primarily in northern Tibet and the western Chinese province of Qinghai. Some populations extend into the southernmost parts of Xinjiang and India. Isolated populations of these animals are also spread throughout central Asia. Primary habitats are the treeless uplands of central Asia between 9,800 and 18,000 feet in mountain meadows and plateaus. They are commonly found in alpine tundra with thick grasses and sedges that provide their food. Some herds will migrate seasonally in search of food. They eat early in the morning and evening and don’t move about much, often sleeping most of the day. During blizzards, these animals turn their tails into the storms and may remain motionless for hours.

In addition to being bred for their milk, domestic yaks are raised for their butter, which is turned into po cha, or Tibetan butter tea. Tibetans make this tea by adding yak milk, butter, and salt to black tea from Pemagul to make the traditional drink, which fortifies drinkers against the Himalaya Mountains’ thin, cold air. The tea is generally consumed by those living on plateaus above 17,000 feet.

Yak butter plays a central role in the Butter Lamp Festival held during the first month of the Tibetan calendar in Lhasa. Monks spend months carving sculptures out of yak butter, while lamps burning the butter line the streets during the festival.

Every summer, Tibetan nomads comb and process the soft, downy undercoat that yak animals shed at this time of year. Coarse outer hair is turned into ropes, tents, and wigs. The inner cashmere-like fibers are turned into textiles that have begun to rival traditional cashmere, made from Himalayan goat hair.

Yak dung is the only fuel on the high Tibetan plateau, but using it presents a biohazard as burning it produces annually 1,000 tons of black carbon, the second leading cause of global warming.

The primary habitats for yaks are the treeless uplands of central Asia in mountain meadows and plateaus.

©Mahatma4711 / CC BY 2.0, Flickr – Original / License

Yaks are herbivores, meaning they only eat plants. They spend a great deal of time in mountain meadows, grazing on grasses and other low-lying plants like sedges. Carex, Stipa, and Kobresia are among their favorite grasses. They also consume herbs, winter-fat shrubs, moss, and lichen. Females like to graze on higher slopes than males, especially if they have young. They frequently drink during the summer and eat snow in the winter to stay hydrated. Like cows, they have two stomachs to efficiently extract all the nutrients out of the plants they eat.

Yaks spend a great deal of time in mountain meadows, grazing on grasses and other low-lying plants like sedges.

©Pongratz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons – Original / License

Predators and Threats

Although domestic yaks are plentiful, the global population of yaks is dwindling and officially listed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In the early 1900s, wild yaks were hunted extensively by Tibetan and Mongolian herders and military personnel. Whereas only 50 years ago, as many as one million wild yaks roamed the Tibetan plateau, only about 10,000 remain today due to interbreeding with cows , loss of habitat, and poaching attacks by humans. Solitary males are particularly vulnerable to poaching. Disturbance by domestic livestock brings disease as well as interbreeding.

The Himalayan wolf is the yak’s natural predator, although in some areas snow leopards and brown bears have been known to prey upon young or infirm yaks.

Reproduction, Babies, and Lifespan

Females enter estrus up to four times a year, yet mating typically occurs in late summer, sometimes even into September depending on the local environment. Gestation lasts between 257 and 270 days, resulting in the birth of a single calf in May or June. Double births are rare. Females find a secluded place to give birth, but soon rejoin the herd as calves can generally walk within 10 minutes of birth. Most females only give birth every other year, although more frequent births can occur if food is plentiful. They begin giving birth at about three to four years of age, with peak fertility at approximately six years.

Calves are weaned at a year old and become independent shortly thereafter. These animals have a lifespan of approximately 20 to 25 years, although some wild yaks may have a shorter life span.

Female yaks typically give birth to a single calf. Twin calves are a rare occurrence.

©Okyela/Shutterstock.com

Domestic yaks number between 14 million and 15 million in Asia. Yak ranching is also on the rise in North America, with about 5,000 currently being raised in the United States. They have been traditionally used as pack animals for caravans as well as for plowing and threshing. Yak dung is the only fuel available on the treeless Tibetan tundra. As late as the mid-1800s, wild yaks extended from Lake Baikal in Siberia to the Ladakh steppe in India. The Chinese Golden Yak, an endangered subspecies of the wild yak, only has about 170 individuals left in the wild. India and China have officially protected wild yaks, with the latter even creating special reserves where many herds of the wild population are located.

Yaks have been traditionally used as pack animals for caravans as well as for plowing and threshing.

©Michail_Vorobyev/Shutterstock.com

In many traditional festivals that feature music and sport in Tibet, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Ladakh, Yak Racing is a popular sport that allows yak riders to show off their prowess. The competitors dress in colorful, ornate costumes and adorn their yaks’ heads and horns with ribbons and cloths, and place ornamented saddles on their backs. Riders race in sets of 10-12 on a field track that is typically 2000 meters in length. Yaks can run up to max speeds of 25mph, so these races are exciting events. The winner usually wins a khatag (Tibetan scarf) and a cash prize.

Yaks In the Zoo

Most zoos only have room for one type of wild cattle species, so they choose buffalo , bison , or yak. San Diego Zoo ‘s Wildlife Park is one exception where visitors can see these animals as well as other species. San Diego Zoo has a careful, dedicated breeding program for endangered species, although most zoos do not.

Yak FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What's the difference between yaks and highland cattle?

The key difference between yaks and highland cattle is that yaks are domesticated bovines from the Himalayas while highland cows were bred in Scotland.

What is a yak?

The yak is a long-haired, short-legged cousin of the cow, native to the high plains plateaus of Tibet.

What is the difference between a yak and a cow?

The difference between yaks and cows is subtle and involves primarily how the two types of animals eat grass. Yaks do not graze in the same way that cows do. The latter cut the grass that they eat with their teeth. Yaks, on the other hand, scrape off grass with their tongue, leaving the soil intact.

What is the difference between a yak and a buffalo?

Both are members of the family Bovidae, but yaks are native to Tibet and the Himalayas in Asia, while buffalo are native to North America.

What is a female yak called?

Technically, yak refers only to the male of the species, while the female is called a dri or nak.

What does a yak eat?

Yaks eat low-lying grasses and grass-like plants along with lichen, moss, and similar plants.

What yak product has become a pet treat?

Chhurpi, a hardened yak milk cheese rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can take several hours to consume, has recently become a dog treat in North America, Britain, and Japan.

Is Yak Milk a Superfood?

Yak milk has high natural concentrates of fat, protein, and lactose, ranging between 4.0 and 7.5 percent, making it a superfood, according to the China Nutrition Society.

What Kingdom do Yaks belong to?

Yaks belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What class do Yaks belong to?

Yaks belong to the class Mammalia.

What phylum to Yaks belong to?

Yaks belong to the phylum Chordata.

What family do Yaks belong to?

Yaks belong to the family Bovidae.

What order do Yaks belong to?

Yaks belong to the order Artiodactyla.

What type of covering do Yaks have?

Yaks are covered in Hair.

What genus do Yaks belong to?

Yaks belong to the genus Bos.

In what type of habitat do Yaks live?

Yaks live in alpine meadows and open hills.

How many babies do Yaks have?

The average number of babies a Yak has is 1.

What is an interesting fact about Yaks?

There are only a few Yaks left in the wild!

What is the scientific name for the Yak?

The scientific name for the Yak is Bos Grunniens.

What is the lifespan of a Yak?

Yaks can live for 15 to 20 years.

What is a baby Yak called?

A baby Yak is called a calf.

How fast is a Yak?

A Yak can travel at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.

What's the difference between yaks and bison?

There are many differences between bisons and yaks. Yaks live at much higher elevations than bison do and have much longer fur and tails compared to bison.

What is the difference between a yak and an ox?

The main difference between a yak and an ox is that the yak is a domesticated bovine from the Himilayas, while the ox is a castrated male cattle bred for use as a draft animal. Additionally, yaks are covered in dense, thick fur and are cold-adapted, while most oxen have short fur. Yaks are used for milk, fiber, meat, and as beasts of burden, while oxen are generally used exclusively for draft work.

Check the other differences here!

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team .

• David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (2011) Animal, The Definitive Visual Guide To The World's Wildlife / Accessed November 10, 2008
• Tom Jackson, Lorenz Books (2007) The World Encyclopedia Of Animals / Accessed November 10, 2008
• David Burnie, Kingfisher (2011) The Kingfisher Animal Encyclopedia / Accessed November 10, 2008
• Richard Mackay, University of California Press (2009) The Atlas Of Endangered Species / Accessed November 10, 2008
• David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (2008) Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Animals / Accessed November 10, 2008
• Dorling Kindersley (2006) Dorling Kindersley Encyclopedia Of Animals / Accessed November 10, 2008
• David W. Macdonald, Oxford University Press (2010) The Encyclopedia Of Mammals / Accessed November 10, 2008

Latest Product Reviews

The 7 Best Pet Products You Can Snag on Amazon Right Now

Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles: Reviewed by Experts

The 7 Best Pet Products at Walmart This January

Latest animal blogs.

Corn Snake vs. Milk Snake: 3 Differences and 3 Similarities

Cutest Dogs in the World: Boston Terrier vs. Shih Tzu

Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?

Newly added animals.

The Only Wild Jaguar In The United States Has A Taste For Bears

Great White Shark

Can grow to more than 8 meters long!

Mourning Gecko

Most recently updated animals.

Doberman Pinscher

A gentle, loyal and loving breed!

Raccoon Dog

The only hibernating canine!

Latest Animal Quizzes

Which Type of Fish Are You?

Cat Quiz – How Well Do You Know Our Feline Friends?

Dog Quiz – How Well Do You Know Them?

No animals found.

• Sourcing Our Content
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Editorial Guidelines

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure .

A-Z-Animals.com is Copyright © 2008 - 2024 A-Z Animals

• Classroom Programme
• Interview Guidance
• Online Programme
• Drishti Store
• My Bookmarks
• My Progress
• Change Password
• From The Editor's Desk
• How To Use The New Website
• Help Centre

Achievers Corner

• Topper's Interview
• About Civil Services
• UPSC Prelims Syllabus
• GS Prelims Strategy
• Prelims Analysis
• GS Paper-I (Year Wise)
• GS Paper-I (Subject Wise)
• CSAT Strategy
• Previous Years Papers
• Practice Quiz
• Weekly Revision MCQs
• 60 Steps To Prelims
• Prelims Refresher Programme 2020

Mains & Interview

• Mains GS Syllabus
• Mains GS Strategy
• Mains Answer Writing Practice
• Essay Strategy
• Fodder For Essay
• Model Essays
• Drishti Essay Competition
• Ethics Strategy
• Ethics Case Studies
• Ethics Discussion
• Ethics Previous Years Q&As
• Papers By Years
• Papers By Subject
• Be MAINS Ready
• Awake Mains Examination 2020
• Interview Strategy
• Interview Guidance Programme

Current Affairs

• Daily News & Editorial
• Daily CA MCQs
• Sansad TV Discussions
• Monthly CA Consolidation
• Monthly Editorial Consolidation
• Monthly MCQ Consolidation

Drishti Specials

• To The Point
• Important Institutions
• Learning Through Maps
• PRS Capsule
• Summary Of Reports
• Gist Of Economic Survey

Study Material

• NCERT Books
• NIOS Study Material
• IGNOU Study Material
• Yojana & Kurukshetra
• Chhatisgarh
• Uttar Pradesh
• Madhya Pradesh

Test Series

• UPSC Prelims Test Series
• UPSC Mains Test Series
• UPPCS Prelims Test Series
• UPPCS Mains Test Series
• BPSC Prelims Test Series
• RAS/RTS Prelims Test Series
• Daily Editorial Analysis
• YouTube PDF Downloads
• Strategy By Toppers
• Ethics - Definition & Concepts
• Mastering Mains Answer Writing
• Places in News
• UPSC Mock Interview
• PCS Mock Interview
• Interview Insights
• Prelims 2019
• Product Promos
• Daily Updates

Important Facts For Prelims

Make Your Note

Himalayan Yak

• 29 Nov 2022
• Quick Facts For Prelims
• GS Paper - 3
• Conservation

Why in News?

The Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) has approved the Himalayan Yak as a ‘food animal’.

• The move is expected to help check decline in the population of the high-altitude bovine animal by making it a part of the conventional milk and meat industry.
• Food Animals are those that are raised and used for food production or consumption by humans.

What are the Key Facts of Himalayan Yak?

• Adapted for living at high altitudes, they have long hair that hangs off their sides like a curtain, sometimes touching the ground.
• They are also known as the lifeline of pastoral nomads in high altitudes of the Indian Himalayan region.
• Yaks are traditionally reared under a transhumance system which is primitive, unorganised and full of hardship.
• Yaks are most comfortable above 14,000 feet. They climb to an elevation of 20,000 feet when foraging and usually don't descend any lower than 12,000 feet.
• The yak-rearing states of India are Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
• This drastic decline could be attributed to less remuneration from the bovid, discouraging the younger generations from continuing with nomadic yak rearing.
• It is mainly because yak milk and meat are not a part of the conventional dairy and meat industry, their sale is limited to local consumers.
• The yak plays a multidimensional socio-cultural-economic role for the pastoral nomads who rear it mainly for earning their nutritional and livelihood security due to the lack of other agricultural activity in the higher reaches of the Himalayan region where it is difficult for animals except the yak to survive.
• The increasing trend of environmental temperature at high altitudes is resulting in heat stress in yak during warmer months of the year. This, in turn, is affecting the rhythms of physiological responses of the animal.
• As wars and conflicts have led to the closing of borders, the yaks outside borders are thought to be suffering from inbreeding due to the lack of availability of new yak germplasm from the original yak area.
• IUCN considers the wild species of yak under Bos mutus, while the domestic form is considered under Bos grunniens.
• CITES : Appendix I
• Indian WildLife (Protection) Act of 1972: Schedule I

• Dictionaries home
• American English
• Collocations
• German-English
• Grammar home
• Practical English Usage
• Learn & Practise Grammar (Beta)
• Word Lists home
• My Word Lists
• Recent additions
• Resources home
• Text Checker

Definition of yak verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• She just kept yakking on.

Join our community to access the latest language learning and assessment tips from Oxford University Press!

Other results

Nearby words.

• International
• Education Jobs
• Schools directory
• Resources Education Jobs Schools directory News Search

Jekyll and Hyde: A* Grade / L9 Essay Example (Tension and Mystery)

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Unit of work

Last updated

8 September 2024

• Share through email
• Share through twitter
• Share through linkedin
• Share through facebook
• Share through pinterest

This is a student essay that was written outside of timed conditions. It received an A* grade at GCSE, for the AQA English Literature syllabus. Typos and grammatical errors have been left in, to show that even a top grade is achievable with minor errors.

Have a resource on us! Grab our FREE resource here: Jekyll and Hyde: Character Breakdown / Analysis

Buy our COMPLETE JEKYLL AND HYDE REVISION BUNDLE here!

Please review us! We always value feedback and are looking for ways to improve our resources, so all reviews are more than welcome.

Check out our shop for more content!

Tes paid licence How can I reuse this?

Get this resource as part of a bundle and save up to 51%

A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.

A MEGA REVISION 'JEKYLL AND HYDE' BUNDLE! (Digital + Printable PDFs, PPTs and worksheets!)

This bundle contains everything you need to teach or study Stevenson's novella 'The Strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' in the form of digital and printable PDF documents. It’s perfect for students aged 14+. **This bundle is currently available at a 50% discount! ** Preview this document for free, to check whether the whole bundle is right for you [Jekyll and Hyde: Character Breakdown / Analysis](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110830) With this bundle, students will be able to: * Understand the structural elements and key moments of the plot * Deepen their knowledge of characters, including understanding the deeper messages behind each one * Integrate the significance of the setting into their analyses and interpretations of the play as a whole * Memorise a range of carefully chosen key quotations for use in essays and analysis * Develop their language, structure and form analysis skills, with guided support and examples * Identify and analyse the thematic and contextual details * Learn approaches to a range of essay question types: discursive, argumentative, close reading * Become confident with extract interpretation and analysis * Develop their knowledge of tragic conventions and apply them to the novella * Expand their critical aptitude via exposure to key critical frameworks and critics’ quotations (for higher-level students) * Write their essays on Jekyll and Hyde, after support with planning help and example A* / top grade model answers Reasons to love this bundle: * Downloadable PDF documents, graphically designed to a high level, PowerPoints (ppts) and worksheets * Visual aids (photographs and drawings) to support learning * Organised categories that simplify the text for students * Print and digital versions - perfect for any learning environment * The unit has everything you need to start teaching or learning - starting with the basic story summary, going right up to deep contextual and critical wider readings * Lots of tasks and opportunities to practice literary analysis skills - students will be guided through writing a literary analysis response to the novella -This is what you’ll get with this bundle: (each document includes digital + printable revision guide + PowerPoint + worksheet)- THE COMPLETE JEKYLL AND HYDE COURSE: 1. [Character Analysis / Breakdown](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110830) 2. [Plot Summary / Breakdown](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110836) 3. [Context Analysis](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110842) 4. [Genre](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110856) 5. [Key Quotations](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110868) 6. [Narrative Voice](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110978) 7. [Setting](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110874) 8. [Themes](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110893) 9. [Critical Interpretation / Critics' Quotations](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110848) 10. [Essay Help](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110934) 11. [Essay Planning](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110950) 12. [PEE Paragraph Practise](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110997) 13. [Essay Practise (Gothic Atmosphere)](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110962) 14. [L9 / A* Grade vs L7 / A Grade Example Essays + Feedback (Frightening Outsider)](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110990) 15. [L9 / A* Grade Essay Example (Tension and Mystery)](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110904) 16. [L8 / A Grade Essay Example + Feedback (Unnatural and Threatening)](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110972) 17. [L6 / B Grade Essay Example + Feedback (Suspicious Atmosphere)](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110984) 18. [L4 / C Grade Essay Example (Secrecy and Reputation)](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110923) 19. [Study Questions / Exercises](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13110884) 20. [Essay Questions + Passage-based Questions](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13111001) Please review our content! We always value feedback and are looking for ways to improve our resources, so all reviews are more than welcome. Check out our [shop](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Scrbbly) here.

Your rating is required to reflect your happiness.

It's good to leave some feedback.

Something went wrong, please try again later.

This resource hasn't been reviewed yet

To ensure quality for our reviews, only customers who have purchased this resource can review it

Report this resource to let us know if it violates our terms and conditions. Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.

Not quite what you were looking for? Search by keyword to find the right resource: