Endangered wild yak (Bos grunniens) in the Tibetan plateau and adjacent regions: Population size, distribution, conservation perspectives and its relation to the domestic subspecies

The yak (Bos grunniens) is a long-haired bovid, endemic to the Tibetan Plateau and the adjacent high-altitude regions. The domesticated subspecies of yak (B. grunniens grunniens) are abundant and closely associated with the livelihoods of herders, while the wild subspecies of yak (B. grunniens mutus) are endangered due primarily to anthropogenic effects. The endangered status of wild yaks calls for consideration, if we are to secure its long term survival, hence this study. Here we hope to provide baseline information necessary for further research and protection of the wild yak resources. We use published data to discuss their evolution, their characteristics as well as their distribution in the Tibetan Plateau and the adjacent high-altitude regions. We were able to come up with a world wild yak distribution map, which may be useful for establishing protected areas, as well as updating the species IUCN Red List Status. From the data available, we were also able to provide an estimate of the wild yak population in China (∼22,000 wild yaks living in China), corresponding to 90% of the total world population. We further discuss the major threats to yaks, and we give some suggestions for future and sustainable conservation.