Background and Significance
The Indian yak (Bos grunniens), known as the "ship of the Himalayas," is a high-altitude bovine essential for the livelihood of Himalayan communities. It has evolved to survive extreme cold and difficult terrain, making it invaluable for remote border regions.
Key Facts and Data
Population Distribution
- Total yaks in India: Approximately 58,000
- Ladakh: Nearly half of India's yak population
- Other regions: Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
- Wild yaks: Mainly restricted to the Tibetan Plateau
Physical Adaptations
- Weight: Wild males up to 1,000 kg; females around 300 kg
- Altitude range: 3,200 to 5,400 metres
- Adaptations for low oxygen:
- Large lungs
- High red blood cell count
- High haemoglobin concentration
- Physical features: Long blackish-brown hair, curved horns, broad hooves
Behaviour and Diet
- Activity: Mainly daytime grazers, live in herds
- Social structure: Females and young form larger groups; adult males remain alone or in smaller groups
- Diet: Grasses, shrubs, forbs, mosses, lichens, and other low-growing plants
Reproduction
- Mating season: September
- Gestation period: Approximately 9 months
- Calving: Usually June
- Breeding rate: One calf every two years
- Lifespan: Approximately 25 years (wild yaks)
IoT Technology Solution
The smart collar uses Internet of Things (IoT) technology to:
- Monitor health parameters
- Track stress levels
- Track movement patterns
- Enable monitoring in remote Himalayan grazing areas near international borders
Conservation Status
| Category | Status |
|---|---|
| IUCN Red List | Vulnerable |
| CITES | Appendix I |
| Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 | Schedule I |
Habitat Types
- Alpine meadows
- Alpine steppes
- Desert steppes
- Cold plateaus (seasonal migration in search of grass, moss, and lichens)
Significance for India
- Border region monitoring: Helps track yaks in remote areas near international borders
- Conservation efforts: Technology aids in protecting vulnerable species
- Livelihood support: Protects essential resources for Himalayan communities
- Indigenous technology: Demonstrates India's capability in developing specialized IoT solutions