All you need to know about the bovid behemoths of the Trans-Himalaya
When is the wild yak's mating season?
Wild yaks mate in July-September, with males competing aggressively for mating rights.
How often do female yaks give birth?
Females give birth to one calf every alternate year. The gestation period is 257-274 days and calves stay with their mothers for about 2 years.
What is the IUCN Status of the wild yak?
It is listed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List. It is threatened by poaching, hunting, disease transmission and hybridisation with domestic cattle.
About the contributors
Yashaswi Rao
is a wildlife biologist passionate about addressing contemporary conservation issues through cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. He is an alum of the MSc Wildlife Program at the National Centre for Biological Sciences.
Diviya Mehra
is a graphic designer. She was the former art director of National Geographic Traveller. Her love for animals, travel and design has shaped her career through the years.
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Rohan Dahotre
is a wildlife illustrator based in Pune, India. He has worked and collaborated with Google, Starbucks, WWF, Snapchat, Adobe, Mongabay, BBC, and various publishing and editorial houses.
Published: Jun 26, 2025
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