Population trends and distribution of Yak and Mithun in India

Abstract

Yak and mithun are important animal genetic resources of India. Yak is an important source of meat, milk and draught power in high altitude areas. Mithun is reared mainly for meat in Northeastern states. Present status of these species was evaluated in terms of their population trend and distribution. It is estimated that by 2020, the population of yaks and mithuns will be only 0.90 and 3.69 lakhs, respectively. Only four states of India have more than 2000 yaks. Similarly, only four states in India have more than 3000 mithuns. The population of these species is restricted to a few regions only within these states, although some other regions in these states have potential for propagation of these animals. For example, eighty-five percent of the population of yaks of the Arunachal Pradesh is now confined to the two districts of Tawang and West-Kameng. These results suggest that these species, especially yak, require immediate attention for their conservation and propagation.