Definition & Meaning of "yak"

What is a "yak?"

The yak is a long-haired bovine found in the Himalayas and other mountainous regions of Central Asia. They are well adapted to living in high-altitude environments, where temperatures can be extreme and vegetation scarce. Yaks have a bulky build, with a thick, shaggy coat that keeps them warm in cold weather. They are known for their impressive strength and endurance, which makes them valuable to the people living in these regions for transportation, plowing fields, and carrying heavy loads. Yaks are herbivores and have a diet mainly consisting of grasses, but they are also known to eat lichen and moss. Their milk is a source of food, and their hair is used to make clothing and textiles. While they are domesticated in many areas, wild yaks can also be found in some parts of Asia, and they are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting.