Question : DEATH OF YAKS

(a) whether Yaks are being brought from high altitudes to tourist destinations like Kufri unmindful of the fact that the Yaks die within a year due to unsuitable climatic conditions;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether there is a proposal to plan a ban on them in tourist areas that fall beneath 10,000-18,000 feet the altitude that is the Yak’s natural habitat;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps Government is taking to protect these rare and endangered animal?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) & (b) As per the information received from the State Government, only domesticated Yaks are at Kufri for tourism and no wild Yaks are brought to Kufri for tourism.

(c) & (d) There is no such proposal.

(e)Wild Yaks (Bos Grunniens) are placed in Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and therefore, providing them the highest degree of protection.