Chinese yaks stray onto Indian side, held by villagers in eastern Ladakh

Sub: Env

Sec: Protected Area

Context:

Around 40 Chinese yaks ventured into Indian territory in the Demchok area of eastern Ladakh and are now under the control of local villagers.

Disputed Areas and LAC Perceptions:

Incidents of graziers straying across the LAC are common due to differing perceptions of the boundary.
Demchok is one of the two mutually agreed disputed areas in eastern Ladakh, with varying claims in the Charding La area.
- Demchok nomads lost access to the Lungkar Valley in 2022 and Nilung Valley in 2017, affecting their livelihood, as livestock is a crucial source of income.
China set up tents on the Indian side of Charding Nala before the 2020 stand-off, expanding their presence as the situation escalated.
Since 2020, both sides have disengaged from five friction points:Galwan, North and South Banks of Pangong Tso, and Patrolling Points 15 and 17A in the Gogra-Hot Springs area.
However, talks have stalled over disengagement from Depsang Plains and Demchok, with China arguing that these issues predate the 2020 stand-off.

About Himalayan Yaks in India:

Species	Belongs to the Bovini tribe, including bison, buffaloes, and cattle.
Adaptation	Can tolerate extreme cold, down to -40°C; adapted for high altitudes with long, insulating hair.
Habitat	Endemic to the Tibetan Plateau and high-altitude regions.
Altitude Preference	Thrives above 14,000 feet; typically climbs to 20,000 feet and rarely descends below 12,000 feet.
Yak-Rearing States in India	Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir.
Significance	Provides crucial nutritional and livelihood security for pastoral nomads in high-altitude regions.
Threats	Climate change causing heat stress; inbreeding due to closed borders limiting genetic diversity.
Protection Status	IUCN Red List: Vulnerable CITES: Appendix I Indian Wildlife Act: Schedule I
Food Status	Approved as a ‘food animal’ by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI).

Source: TH