In wild yak societies, it turns out that mothers are a step above the rest. According to a recent WCS-led study, yak mothers with young are found on steeper terrain and at higher elevations than males, or females without young.

Not only are mothers found on mountainous slopes averaging 15,994 feet, but they also travel in groups of about 30. Males, who frequent the valley bottoms, are typically seen in groups of two.

According to the researchers, wild yaks offer an opportunity unique in today鈥檚 world鈥攖o study a species relatively unharmed by humans. Their habitat is just so remote. 鈥淣either habitat destruction nor fragmentation are issues in the yak鈥檚 home in far western China,鈥� said lead author Joel Berger, of WCS and the University of Montana, 鈥渁nd so there are amazing opportunities to learn about why males and females respond differently to climate change and biological challenges.鈥�