National Yak Day:
Nepal observed its first-ever ‘National Yak Day’ on April 20, 2025, to honor the cultural, ecological, and economic value of the yak in the Himalayan region.The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) urged stakeholders to elevate the yak to its rightful place in the sustainable development agenda, especially across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH)
ICIMOD emphasised that indigenous communities like the Sherpa, Tamang, Thakali, Rai, and Limbu have historically protected and practiced yak herding, linking it with food security, cultural identity, and biodiversity conservation.Wild yaks are around 2 meters tall at the shoulder, while domesticated yaks are smaller. Yaks are herbivorous, feeding on grasses and alpine plants. Conservation Status: Wild yaks are listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List, indicating the need for urgent conservation efforts to protect their habitats and genetic diversity.
