Wild Tibetan yak: description of the animal, interesting facts. Lhasa apso, sacred dog of Tibetan monks What animal is native to Tibet

When you walk along the Tibetan steppe, first of all you notice a huge number of marmots and pikas (). But not only them. Today about the rest of the living creatures.

The pike is a small rodent, a cross between a hamster and a hare. The whole earth was dug up by pika burrows, and one morning I woke up from the fact that the pika decided to crawl out of the burrow right under the tent, in the place where my head lay. It is not always possible to set up a tent out of the blue without burrows of pikas.

Steppe ferret. We found him in one of the holes in the pasture, took off our backpacks, crept up to the hole and lay down. At first, the animal did not want to get out, but after a while it got used to us, began to run between holes and even posed for a bit. He turned out to be a good fashion model. The ferret feeds on mice, pikas and other small rodents.

Unlike the ferret, the ermine did not really want to pose and quickly disappeared into the gap between the boulders.

The hare avoided the grass, eaten by the yaks to the state of the lawn, and preferred to hide in the tall and fresh grass. The hare approves of the fencing of pastures when the yaks cannot eat the grass behind the fence: now he has a place to hide.

It is not pikas but voles that peep out of some holes in the meadows.

The Tibetan fox is ubiquitous. She hunts rodents, in which there is no shortage, and tries not to conflate with people, staying away from barking and noise. Tibetans do not hunt foxes - Buddhism does not allow. Tibetans do not kill animals at all, so they can be seen not so far from yurts with herds and houses with fields.

There are almost no large predators: leopards, wolves. The culprit is this cute Tibetan mastiff, which protects herds and farm from the encroachments of wild animals.

Larger ungulates are hunted only by birds of prey. If a yak, ram or antelope has fallen in the meadow, the birds flock in large numbers and arrange a fight for pieces of meat.

Birds on the background of Mount Amne-Machin.

The tamed yak drove out large ungulates: kiang and wild yaks. Unlike wild herbivores, which die on the same land, closing the cycle of organic matter, grass eaten by a domestic yoke only partially returns to the soil (in the form of manure). The meat is actively exported to the cities of Tibet and to China. Thus, the circulation of substances in the Tibetan steppe is opened and the land is gradually depleted. The Chinese are trying to regulate the number of yaks and Tibetan shepherds in order to avoid overgrazing and soil erosion, but they are unlikely to ever refuse to export meat from Tibet - they love to eat meat very much.

This zo is a hybrid of a cow and a yak. Their coat is less dense than that of a yak, but they are stronger and give more milk. Dzo bulls are sterile, and Dzo cows give birth to calves for a quarter of yaks (cows) - ortum, and then for an eighth of yaks (cows) - gyuzi.

To distinguish between yaks, Tibetans attach such flags to them.

The yaks are grazed and driven through the alpine meadows. View from the top to the swampy saddle of the pass.

Occasionally, on the farthest passes, wild ungulates such as these orongo antelopes are found.

In the same place, cranes feed on swampy meadows in the upper valleys and on the shores of lakes.

The indispensable companions of man are crows. They fly over garbage cans in cities and over shepherd's yurts. Huge crows will always find something to profit from in the farm of pastoralists. To prevent crows from spoiling their skins, they are laid out next to the yurt and the crows are periodically driven away. This has to be done almost all the time.

Companions. In our imagination, the image of an inseparable companion of an elderly respectable lady from the last century is instantly drawn. In some ways, we will be right, but there are such companions who will decorate the life of even a very strong and self-confident man, or an elderly helpless old man, or a fragile girl, or a large family of very different people. This is the Tibetan Lhasa Apso breed.

History of the origin of the breed

Despite the Tibetan fame dating back many thousands of years, the fame of the Western world came to Lhasa Apso quite recently. There was a time when monks-lamas presented this dog as a gift to the Chinese emperors, making a cunning move at the same time: the "gift" has always been exclusively a dog. Thus, the breed could not spread around the world.

Did you know? In Zoroastrianism, dogs were placed almost on the same level with humans, they were considered the second holiest living creatures after humans.

To date, we do not know much about the origin of these amazing creatures with intelligent eyes and thick long hair. Since ancient times, they lived in monastic farmsteads or at palaces, carrying their guard watch. No wonder the nickname "barking sentry dog" is firmly entrenched in this breed.

True, another historical version tries to correlate dogs with herding duties, but this does not change the essence: in Tibet they respect the Lhasa apso and sometimes even believe that he is the guardian of the souls of monks.

European adventures of the breed begin in the twenties of the last century, when, finally, the first dog got outside of its permanent habitat. It all happened like this: Tibet was visited by a mission of British diplomats headed by Colonel Bailey.

Apparently, the colonel made such a strong impression on the Dalai Lama that he gave him a dog and even forgot to see if it was a bitch or a dog. In any case, it is to the brave colonel that we owe the fame in Europe, as well as the name, which is a synthesis of the Tibetan capital of Lhasa and the ancient name of the dog.

Already in 1929, the London Dog Show took a new participant. To this day, English dogs are considered the best representatives of the Lhasa Apso show class.

Description and breed standards, price

• Country of origin: Tibet.
• Group: watch, exhibition.
• Litter: 4, 5, sometimes 6 puppies.
• Height: medium, up to 25 cm.
• The weight: in an adult dog it can range from 4 to 7 kg.
• Life Expectancy: about 12-14 years old.
• Wool: very thick, falling in straight strands, distinguished by its rigidity, but silky in appearance. It is the magnificent coat that is one of the main advantages of the imperial dog.
• Coat color: can be very diverse, ranging from light, almost white shades to bluish-black. The classic color is golden sand with dark tassels (ears and tip of tail).
• Head: the skull is narrow, the head is heavy and has a characteristic "hairstyle": beard, sideburns, thick bangs over the eyes.
• Torso: stocky, well muscled. The loin is strong, the back is straight.
• Paws: short.
• Tail: very agile and as if lying on his back.
• Molting: absent.

Important!Please note that the tail should not be rounded off with a hook.

The price of lhasa apso has a big run-up, starting from 400 and reaching 2000 dollars. The average price is $ 800.

Character traits

If your choice fell on a pet native to Tibet, then you should carefully study its character. Besides friendliness and sociability, Lhasa Apso is able to show independence and show character... The dog treats children and their pranks patiently, but nothing more - it will definitely not become a playmate for them.

In general, this small shaggy dog ​​is distinguished by discretion and calmness, which makes him an excellent companion. He loves, but does not stick, not enduring long separations and loneliness, he, nevertheless, will not lie at your feet all the time. A cozy armchair, leisurely walks - this is your leisure time with the Tibetan tailed philosopher.

Lhasa Apso confirms the truth that appearances can be deceiving. Despite the poise in a compartment with a somewhat awkward appearance, this one has excellent hearing, flair, as well as a loud voice and alertness to strangers. This is an excellent watchman and even a guide. All of the listed combinations of qualities and characteristics make this dog ideal for seniors as well as for those who are prone to a contemplative lifestyle.

Did you know?Another name for the Tibetan Apso breed is "seismograph dog". With a loud bark, they are able to warn not only about strangers who have approached the home, but also about impending natural disasters.

Wool, a lot of wool - these are the words that you will repeat as often as Tibetan monks repeat their prayers. Long-haired dogs need careful and constant grooming, and the Lhasa Apso in particular. After all, he has such a long coat that sometimes you can't even go down the stairs - his paws are braided. But first things first.

Wool

So, the main source of stress for the owner has been identified, now we will decide what to do. First of all, of course, brush and trim as often as possible. By the way, a little secret due to the origin of your pet: combing the Tibetan Apso breed of dogs promotes meditation and the early onset of nirvana. Therefore, do not shirk, and you will achieve enlightenment before your lazy household members.

If you do not plan to show activities, and brushing is still tiresome, then just cut the dog shorter (but do not get carried away, because the coat is all its charm). It is optimal to cut the animal once a month., but depending on nutrition and other factors, the coat may grow back faster and you will have to carry out this procedure more often.

There is also good news - lhasa apso do not shed too much and, in addition, have excellent health.

Bathing

Bathing is carried out as the wool becomes dirty, and this depends on its length and the intensity of your walks. But still bathe the dog at least once every two weeks... Of course, you can't do without a special dog shampoo and even a balm. All these products must be thoroughly washed from the dog's fur, and after bathing, dry it with a towel for some time to avoid matting.

Hygiene

Any dog ​​needs to periodically clean his ears and rinse his eyes, because it is in these places that infections that provoke inflammation most often nest. It is also better to wash the dog's muzzle after eating. The claws and hair on your pet's paws must be cut carefully, because this is also a hygienic procedure.

Important!Do not forget to inspect your skin after a walk.and earsanimal for ticks or splinters.

For walking, it is better to choose clean parks and squares, because this breed is more intended for the home, and combing out dirty mats after the street is still a pleasure. Perhaps doggy will be a good decision for you.

Nutrition

The good health of these small dogs is also evidenced by the fact that veterinarians cannot give them general anesthesia for the operation. Even the dosage is not able to turn them off. Operations are performed under local anesthesia. Fearless watchdog, sensitive and responsive, will become a wonderful companion of your life. Many owners say that the dog is amazing "sees" people and will kick out of your house any person who has bad intentions. Lhasa Apso are unpretentious in their care and most of all need only your love and your attention.

In their homeland, the representatives of the Tibetan Mastiff breed were called "dro-khi", which means "tied dog". This is explained by the fact that during the day they were tied near the dwelling, and at night they were released to guard the land. The Tibetans were used as guard dogs, hunting and fighting dogs. Vigilant giants were highly revered, as they often depended on the safety of the family, and sometimes the whole village. The appearance of the puppy in the house was celebrated as a special event for which the whole family was preparing. The choice of a pet was taken very seriously - this process was accompanied by a special ritual, after which it was accepted as a full-fledged member of the family. When selecting, one very important point was taken into account - the puppy had to doze quietly in the daytime, and at night it was in constant vigilance in order to protect people and animals from the attack of predators in the future. Thanks to their strong bones, powerful body and musculature, they were able to travel long distances over the ornate mountainous terrain. During long treks in the mountains, the dogs were transported in special baskets with the help of pack animals. Stopping for the night, the Tibetan mastiffs were released and they, having chosen a convenient place for themselves, guarded the camp all night from the visits of uninvited guests - people and wild animals. Dogs surprisingly easily endured the harsh climatic conditions of those high-altitude places, while feeding only once every 2-3 days and fearlessly engaging in battle with each predator. According to some sources, they even won battles with snow leopards. In Tibet, particular importance was attached to the tonality of the barking of the Tibetan mastiffs. The most valuable representatives of the breed are dogs with a deep, deaf voice that sounds like a "good copper gong". To improve its quality, the pets were even given warm milk.

In their homeland, these beautiful dogs often wore massive purple collars made of yak hair around their necks to give the animals a more serious and solid look. This tradition has survived to this day.

The roots of the Tibetan mastiffs go back far into the depths of the centuries - this is one of the most ancient breeds, there is a hypothesis that the Tibetans have a direct connection with the descendants of the first dog that appeared on earth 5 thousand years ago. Genetic studies have also confirmed that they are more closely related to wolves than breeds that are similar in phenotype to them.

Many authors praised the majesty and power of the Tibetan Mastiffs. The first mentions of them are preserved in the Chinese book Shu-king and date back to 1122 BC. Then they met in the writings of Aristotle and the Greek philosopher Gosthenes, where the latter mentioned a giant dog with a strong bone and a huge head. Several centuries later, in 1271, the famous traveler Marco Polo set foot on the lands of Tibet. The meeting with the Tibetan mastiffs impressed him very much - he described them as angry, huge dogs the size of a donkey with a voice as powerful as the roar of a lion, which were used to guard villages, as well as to hunt yak and tiger. He was amazed at their strength of body and spirit. However, this description was clearly exaggerated - the animals did not even reach a meter in height, nevertheless, this description excited the imagination of dog handlers and dog lovers for a long time.

For a long time, the Tibetan Mastiffs remained more legends than real dogs. Only in 1774 was another European lucky enough to meet the fearless conqueror of the Himalayan mountains. This happened thanks to the Governor of Bengal, who sent George Buckle to Tibet in order to establish good relations with neighbors. The mission was not crowned with success, but the envoy managed to get acquainted with the majestic dogs and compose their description. According to his essays, the then Tibetans were tall animals with long hair and an aggressive character. Subsequent adjustments to their description did not give the general picture any new data. Until the middle of the 19th century, they were content with them, until the genuine representatives of the breed arrived in the West.

The reputation of vicious and ferocious dogs was present for a long time in the form of Tibetan mastiffs and they were still positioned as wild animals, and not as potential guards and friends of man. The first individuals to arrive in England were sent to the London Zoo. Many of them could not stand life in unusual climatic conditions and died. Those that survived were rewarded with wild status. Of course, the nature of those dogs could not be called complaisant, but, in fact, they were born watchmen and guards, which requires willpower and firmness of character. One of the first owners of the brave giants was Queen Victoria - in 1847 Lord Harding, who later became King of India, presented her with a little Tibetan as a gift. In 1898, the Berlin Zoo officially registered the first offspring of the Tibetan Mastiff.

The history of representatives of this unique breed is inextricably linked with the sad history of their native state. Until the middle of the twentieth century, these dogs lived exactly the same as 100 and 1000 years ago. But at the beginning of the twentieth century, an armed conflict arose between China and then independent Tibet. As a result, Tibet was conquered, and the state was seized by a crisis - people did not have enough food and many tried in every possible way to give up huge pets, since they simply had nothing to feed them. And the Tibetan mastiffs were on the verge of extinction. Then they were saved by the king of Nepal - Mahendra. By his order, in 1966, a fairly large number of these dogs were brought from Tibet. And it was he who was the initiator of the rescue of the Tibetans - he not only organized the program, but also personally allocated funds from his own royal treasury for its implementation. In the second half of the twentieth century, many tourists from all over the world rushed to the territory of Nepal - climbers, hippies, adventure seekers. These huge animals frolicking in the valley could not leave them indifferent - many tourists took dogs with the appearance of a lion with them to America and Europe.

The first copies were originally brought to the United States by mistake - in 1958 they were sent to the then reigning President Eisenhower, who was originally planned to be presented with graceful Tibetan terriers of small size. But instead of them, the ruler received two giants, which soon, without hesitation, handed over to Senator Gary Darby, who is fond of dogs large breeds... This is how the Tibetan Mastiffs began their march around the world. Their breeding in America was taken up by Anna Roar, who discovered representatives of the breed in Nepal and then founded the American Society of Mastiff Lovers. In Europe, these dogs are bred in Germany, France, England, Holland, etc. Among European countries, the Tibetan mastiffs are most popular in France - the famous French actor Alain Delon, who was the first owner of Tibetans in his country and always spoke about them with a special enthusiasm. The number of individuals in Russia is very small, but the breed has excellent prospects. Over the past decade, they have gained great popularity in China, where they are actively breeding today.

The Tibetan Mastiff is a powerful, heavy, tall dog with a strong, well-developed bone and strong muscles. The back is straight, the body is powerful. The weight of an adult varies from 60 to 80 kg, the minimum height for bitches is 61 cm, for males - 66 cm, the maximum can reach 70-80 cm. The neck is muscular, strong, covered with a dense halo of mane, starting at the occipital protuberance and covering the withers. The head is wide, large, with a massive skull. The muzzle is full, square. The drooping, triangular ears are set low, of medium size, close to the head. Oval eyes are of medium size, expressive, set far and slightly oblique. Their color is all shades of brown. The nose is well pigmented. The limbs are strong and muscular. The tail, covered with thick hair, is set high, is of medium length and curled behind the back.

The coat of the representatives of the Tibetan Mastiff breed is unique - a long, abundant guard hair and a thick undercoat are given to them for a comfortable stay in the snow, ice and piercing winds of the highlands. The neck and shoulders are decorated with a lush mane, which gives Tibetans a likeness to lions. In males the coat is more developed than in bitches. The color is presented in several options - black, golden, chestnut, black and tan, various shades of gray. Golden or fiery markings can be found over the eyes, on the hind or front legs, the tip of the tail, and the inside of the limbs. The inhabitants of Tibet believe that wise symbolism is hidden in the color of the Tibetan mastiffs - the presence of a white spot on the chest indicates a brave heart, the spots above the eyes of a lighter shade symbolize another pair of eyes, which allows mastiffs to see a person's soul, his good and bad intentions, and also to anticipate death. In addition, the presence of these sacred dogs in the home is believed by many to bring health and safety to its owners.

Tibetans are distinguished by good health and longevity. The average life expectancy is 14-16 years. Due to its large size, dysplasia may occasionally occur. hip joints, therefore, the health of the pet must be monitored and x-rays taken about once a year. Tibetan Mastiff dogs develop very slowly - males reach puberty at the age of 4 years, female - 2-3. The offspring is given, like wolves, only once a year.

In opposition to its ferocious appearance the character of the Tibetan mastiffs is distinguished by softness, restraint and calmness, but this is only if there are no external stimuli, in their opinion, dangerous for their beloved owners and their property. They are highly intelligent and self-sufficient animals. The watchdog qualities of these inhabitants of the harsh mountainous regions are remarkably developed - although they are human-oriented, they are always determined to protect their territories. In the presence of the owner with any strangers, the dog will be restrained and calm. She loves affection and attention, but only when she herself wishes it.

Tibetan Mastiffs are very smart and quick-witted, but they tend to be stubborn and defend their independence, of course, within the framework of a good relationship with a person. However, the owner should devote a lot of time to discipline, training and the exercise of his leadership qualities, because the dog can become uncontrollable. Early socialization is also important, as the watchdog mission makes itself felt - pets can be withdrawn and too suspicious of strangers. They behave calmly with other dogs, adequately responding to aggression. Due to the security functions transferred through the centuries, they prefer to sleep in the daytime, and at night go to the service, constantly checking their possessions. Usually they choose the most high point and observe from there everything that happens around. However, they easily adapt to a different lifestyle, if conditions require it.

In the family circle, Tibetan Mastiffs behave very friendly and calm, distinguished by obedience, devotion and amazing charm. They love to be in the company of people and constantly follow the household. Dogs of this breed have a rare intuition - they feel well the change in the owner's mood and act in accordance with it.

Tibetans are famous for their wonderful attitude towards children and allow little fools to do absolutely everything - in this case, you need to watch out for a child rather than a dog. Tibetan Mastiffs are affectionate with babies, with pleasure they become companions for games, and walking on a leash with them, even adjust to the pace of their walking. Perhaps this attachment goes back to the distant times when the inhabitants of Tibetan villages used formidable guards as nannies, completely trusting them to look after the children. However, it should be remembered that Tibetans tend to protect their loved ones and are not always able to distinguish between where the game is and where there is a threat, so you need to be careful if friends come to visit the child. Other pets are treated very warmly, with unremitting attention and care, especially cats.

Another one important feature Tibetan Mastiffs - their loud guttural barking, which is highly regarded as an important sign of the breed. This moment must be taken into account when choosing these dogs, since they will demonstrate their enviable vocal abilities every day, which not every neighbor will like.

Given the waywardness and powerful dimensions of the pet, raising Tibetan Mastiff puppies should be approached with special responsibility, since even well-bred dogs are able to make attempts to defend their rights in a given situation. In order to gently bypass stubbornness in defending one's own independence, in the process of training one should skillfully combine firmness and patience, decisiveness and tenderness. And, perhaps, one of the main elements of raising an obedient pet is timely and sufficient socialization. From about the 7th to the 17th week, the puppy needs to be regularly brought out to learn the world in all its forms. A loved one should actively come into contact with the surrounding reality - this will temper his nervous system and character.

When choosing a Tibetan Mastiff as a pet, you should remember about the peculiarities of using these dogs and know their original purpose. Of course, he will feel most comfortable in a country house with a large plot, where he can exercise his guard functions. Adults need daily long walks and physical activity. They are active, especially at a young age, they will happily run, play and even swim. They are unpretentious in food, they eat a little - no more than a Labrador or a boxer. Two meals a day will be enough, and they should always have fresh water at their disposal.

Taking care of the luxurious coat of Tibetan mastiffs is not a particularly difficult task. It is enough to comb them out two to three times a week. In the spring, when the shedding period begins, this should be done more often - at this time, the amount of combed wool can really amaze. In show dogs, special attention is paid to the mane - to improve its "lion appearance". They are very clean and odorless, so they do not need frequent washing.

The Tibetan Mastiff is the most expensive dog breed in the world. As for their cost, then in different countries it can be strikingly different. For example, in China, the presence of such a dog in the house is a sign of high social status and well-being. Individuals with a reddish-red color are especially revered (red, as you know, is a symbol of good luck and prosperity in China). Therefore, in the Celestial Empire, the prices for Tibetans can range from several hundred thousand dollars to a million or more. It is the Tibetan mastiffs who own the records in value - in 2010, a dog named Red Lion was purchased for $ 1,465,000, in 2011 a Chinese coal magnate got a fire-colored pet named Big Splash for $ 1.5 million, in 2012 it was a new record was broken - a puppy of the Tibetan Mastiff Emperor was sold for $ 1.6 million. It is also rumored that in 2014 a native of a prestigious Chinese nursery was sold for 12 million yuan, which is more than $ 1.9 million. However, there is information that by 2015, active breeding and the unsuitability of these animals for life in urban conditions, reduced the prices for the best representatives of the breed to $ 2,000. In other countries, the Tibetan Mastiffs are valued differently, but not on the same scale as a few years ago in China. For example, in Great Britain the average price is $ 1500-2000, in Ukraine and Russia - $ 1000-2500.

Fun Marmots live in Tibet

Tibetan marmots - what their behavior means and how to photograph them

Tibet is a huge plateau, comparable in area to Peru. It is almost completely covered with steppe: grass in valleys, on passes, on the slopes of ridges. Only in the deepest valleys can you see forest and woodlands, and in some places there are sections of the desert. Most of Tibet is sparsely populated, especially the northwestern regions; it is still the most inaccessible place on our planet. Large ungulates and predators live there - wild yak, kiang, snow leopard, wolf. In more accessible places, large ungulates were driven out by herds of domestic yaks, and predators larger than foxes were scared away by shepherd dogs. Small living creatures, on the contrary, thrive due to a decrease in the number of predators. For the ecosystem, such an overweight of rodents is harmful, but the rise in the population of marmots makes it very easy to photograph them. They are everywhere.

Marmots live in the steppe in large colonies. Each family of several marmots grazes around its burrow - marmot. If a rodent notices a danger, someone tall: a predator or, for example, a person with a camera, he runs to the hole, but does not hide, but stands higher at the entrance and begins to whistle alarmingly. He does this, despite the fact that in Tibet, marmots are not hunted. Thus, it is difficult to get close to the groundhog unnoticed - the neighbors have probably already warned him.

Marmots in the pasture:

The marmot is scared and runs to the marmot:

A marmot in a danger pose examines the surroundings and whistles:

A family of marmots near the marmot is ready to hide:

As soon as you approach them, they are in a hole. If you hide nearby, after a while the marmot will come out and look around. When you lie behind a stone or even behind a backpack and do not move, and only the camera is visible from behind the shelter, you can take a picture of a marmot.

The marmot looks out of the hole, checking if it is safe to go out already:

In wild places, marmots are careful, but where they graze yaks, they are already accustomed to constant proximity with large animals in the meadow, and it is easier to photograph them. If you pretend to be a yak: move very slowly, as if in slow motion and pretend that you are not interested in marmots, but simply aimlessly slowly walk in the meadow and graze, then you can get very close to the marmot.

Many pastures in Tibet are now fenced in with a net. This is done at the direction of the Chinese government to avoid overgrazing and to divide the plots. Previously, the Tibetans drove yaks from one pasture to another without any boundaries.

But borders do not interfere with marmots:

In late summer and autumn, marmots eat well in order to hibernate in their burrow for the whole winter:

Juveniles of marmots also gorge themselves by winter, but not in the same way as adults. Adult marmot and teenager:

In the meantime, I watched the marmots, they photographed this process:

(To be continued)

The word Yak comes from the Tibetan yaag meaning "male yak" (the word sarlyk is also found in Russian, derived from the Mongolian sarlag), translated as a grunting bull (a disgruntled domestic yak grunts, which is not typical of a wild yak).

Photo: Jerrold Bennett

The yak is a large animal with a long body, relatively short legs, wide, rounded hooves and a heavy, low-set head. The height at the withers is up to 2 m, the weight of old bulls is up to tone. The body length of the old male is up to 4.25 m, of which 0.75 m falls on the tail. Female length up to 2.8 m, height 1.6 m, weight 325-360 kg.

There is a small hump at the withers of the yak, which makes the back seem sloping. The horns of both sexes are long, but not thick, widely spaced, directed from the base to the sides, and then bent forward and upward; their length is up to 95 cm, and the distance between the ends is 90 cm.

Photo: Kim’s Pics

The yak has a long shaggy coat that hangs down from the body and almost completely covers the legs. The coat is dark brown or grayish black everywhere except on the muzzle, where white markings are often found. A thick matted undercoat protects the yak from the cold winter, which falls in large pieces in spring and summer. Yak wool is widely used by Tibetans, and on animals it is often possible to see harnesses woven from their own hair. If on most of the body the hair is thick and even, then on the legs, sides and belly it is long and shaggy, forming a kind of continuous "skirt", almost reaching the ground. The tail is also covered with long coarse hair and resembles that of a horse. On the territory of Russia, yaks are found, in addition to zoos, in agriculture Tuva and some other territories bordering on Mongolia. In addition to Tibet, it is exploited as a beast of burden and meat.

Photo: Larry Dears

Back in the first millennium BC, the yak was domesticated by man. Domestic yaks are smaller and more phlegmatic than wild ones, among them hornless individuals are often found, color is very changeable. Yak is used in Tibet and other parts of Central Asia, in Mongolia, Tuva, Altai, Pamir and Tien Shan. The yak is an irreplaceable beast of burden in the highlands. It produces excellent milk, meat and wool without requiring maintenance. Domestic yak interbreeds with cows, and the resulting hainaki (Mongolian hainag) are very convenient as draft animals. They are distinguished by less endurance, but also smaller in size and a more docile disposition.

photo: Nick Leonard

The wild yak has been little studied because of the high mountains. Historically, wild yaks are recorded in the Tibetan chronicles as one of the great evils, animals dangerous to humans. In Tibetan, the wild yak, in contrast to the domestic one, is called zo. Popular with nomads in the adjacent mountainous regions of China and Mongolia. In the Soviet Union, a wild yak was acclimatized in the mountains North Caucasus, in particular in North Ossetia. Wild yaks cannot stand the places developed by people, and therefore they are quickly dying out - now they live only in the highlands of Tibet at elevations of 4300-4600 m above sea level. m in winter and up to 6100 m above sea level. m. in the summer. It is found on the Tibetan plateau and in adjacent mountainous areas (Karakorum, Ladakh). They live in families of several heads or in small herds of 10-12 heads, old males singly. However, as evidenced by N.M. Przhevalsky, who first described the wild yak, back in the 19th century. herds of yak cows with small calves reached several hundred, or even thousands of heads. At 6-8 years of age, they reach puberty; life expectancy is about 25 years.

Photo: Shepherd

Yaks race in September - October. At this time, the bulls join the groups of cows. Fierce fights take place between the bulls, unlike the ritualized fights of most other bovids. Opponents during the fight try to hit each other in the side with a horn. The fatal outcome of these battles is rare, and the case is limited to injuries, sometimes very serious. During the rutting season, the yak's calling roar is heard, at other times it is extremely silent. Calving in yaks takes place in June, after a nine-month gestation. The calf is not separated from its mother for about a year.

Photo: Matthew Winterburn

Adult yaks are well armed, very strong and ferocious. Wolves dare to attack them only in exceptional cases in a large flock and in deep snow. In turn, bull yaks, without hesitation, attack the person pursuing them, especially if the animal is injured. The attacking yak holds its head and tail high with a fluttering plume of hair. Since ancient times, the yak enjoyed great fame because it produced the so-called horse tails (its main difference from other bulls), which served as a head ornament for the leaders of the eastern troops. Hunting for a wild yak is both tempting and dangerous. Without thinking, the furious animal, if not mortally wounded, rushes directly at the hunter. On the wound, this beast is very hardy. Old bulls were found with three bullets in the head and fifteen in the chest, and they still had the strength to run a considerable space.

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