A study on yak production in high hills and mountains of Nepal

The main objective of this study is to identify yak production in high hills and mountains of Nepal. The study was conducted from mid July to September, 2005. Methodologies and different tools have been used and a multidisciplinary team was formed for the study. The study area covered Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Okhaldhunga in the Eastern, Dolkha in the Central, Humla in the Western and Darchula and Bajhang in the Far Western Region. Yak (Bos grunniens) is a multipurpose animal living at altitudes from 3,000 m to 5,000 m. Yaks only thrive in extreme environmental conditions. The yak's genetic capabilities to survive harsh winters with minimum feed are unmatched. Yaks provide milk, butter, cheese, meat, leather, wool and transport to the people of the Himalayas and of the plateaus of Central Asia. From a socio-economic point of view, the yak is a very important animal in the mountainous country of Nepal.