A call for urgent action to protect wild yak in the Himalayan regions

The wild yak ( Bos mutus ), an iconic species of the Himalayan highlands, is facing increasing threats to its survival. Despite their ecological and cultural significance, wild yak populations are in decline due to genetic introgression from domestic yaks, habitat degradation, competition for forage, poaching, and climate-induced stressors such as invasive species encroachment. While China has undertaken notable conservation efforts, including habitat protection and management, neighboring countries have yet to implement coordinated strategies. This paper highlights the urgent need for transboundary conservation policies that prioritize habitat protection, minimize genetic degradation, control invasive species, and strengthen anti-poaching laws to ensure the long-term survival of wild yaks and the ecological resilience of the Himalayan region.