Nepal Celebrated First ‘National Yak Day’: Observed on April 20, 2025, highlighting the yak’s cultural, ecological, and economic importance.
ICIMOD’s Call to Action: The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) urged stakeholders to prioritize the yak in sustainable development, particularly in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region.
Indigenous Communities and Yak Herding: Sherpa, Tamang, Thakali, Rai, and Limbu communities have traditionally protected and practiced yak herding, linking it to food security, cultural identity, and biodiversity.
Yak’s Biological Adaptations: Yaks are well-adapted to high-altitude environments (5000-7000 meters), with large lung capacity and smaller red blood cells.
Socio-Economic Uses: Domesticated yaks provide milk, meat, serve as pack animals, and contribute to climbing expeditions.
Conservation Status: Wild yaks are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List, requiring conservation efforts.
Importance to Nepal: Yaks are crucial for 27 mountain districts in Nepal, providing resources like meat, milk, fibre, and draught power.
ICIMOD’s Pledge: ICIMOD commits to support partner countries in promoting sustainable agropastoralism in the HKH’s high mountains.
Nepal is the first yak range country: in the HKH to observe a national day dedicated to the animal.
