The Yak (Bos grunniens ) is a long-haired and sturdy bovine, belongs to genus Bos, related to cattle and found throughout the Himalayan region, the Tibetan Plateau as well as in Mongolia and Russia. It was probably first domesticated in Tibet and was found at elevations of 4,000–6,000 meters (14,000–20,000 feet), mainly in China but also in Central Asia, Mongolia, and Nepal. There are approximately 12 million yaks in China which is about 85% of the world total making China the leader in yak population. Yaks are herd animals. Wild male yaks stand about 2 to 2.2 metres (6.6 to 7.2 ft) tall at the shoulder and average 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) and the females weigh about one third of this. Domesticated yaks are much smaller, males average weighing 350 to 580 kg and females 225 to 255 kg. Both types have long shaggy hair to protect them from the cold. Colour of Wild yaks can be brown or black. Yaks have been declared as a vulnerable species, as their population is showing a decreasing trend. 1362132254.php