A Milestone Discovery in Yak Domestication
In a groundbreaking revelation, the earliest evidence of human yak domestication has been unearthed in Bangga, a settlement in the Shannan prefecture of the Tibetan Autonomous Region in China.
This discovery provides valuable insights into the historical practices of domestication in the region.
Dual Domestication: Yaks and Taurine Cattle
Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis, US, disclose that the residents of Bangga, located on the Yarlung-Tsangpo (Brahmaputra), were engaged in the domestication not only of yaks but also taurine cattle approximately 2,500 years ago.
This dual domestication holds shows, particularly considering the distinction between taurine cattle and Zebu breeds native to the Indian subcontinent and tropical Asia.
Hybrid Breeding: Crossing Yaks and Cattle
The inhabitants of Bangga demonstrated an innovative approach by producing hybrids by crossbreeding yaks and taurine cattle. Yaks, domestic cattle, and the ancient aurochs fall under the genus Bos taxonomically.
This discovery adds a new layer to our comprehension of ancient agricultural practices in the Tibetan Plateau.
Bangga’s Fossil-Rich Settlement
Bangga, based at an elevation of approximately 3,750 meters above sea level, stands as one of the earliest agro-pastoral settlements in the southern Tibetan Plateau.
Renowned for its abundant animal fossils, the site has undergone systematic excavation in recent decades, offering valuable glimpses into the region’s history.
Genetic Analysis and Ancestral Origins
Researchers meticulously studied over 10,000 mammal bone fragments from Bangga, identifying and categorizing 193 specimens belonging to the genus Bos.
Through genetic analysis, they disclosed that one ancient bone originated from a male yak, while the remaining four belonged to female taurine cattle.
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The shocking presence of taurine cattle near the Indian subcontinent suggests their migration from Anatolia via the Silk Route and northern Tibet.
Implications for the Modern Yak Population
The domestication of yaks and the crossbreeding practices seen in Bangga contribute to the genetic diversity seen in modern yak populations.
Presently, an estimated 14 to 15 million domestic yaks inhabit the highlands of Asia, including the Indian Himalayan Border States and Union territories.
Conservation Concerns: Wild Yaks on the Brink
While domestic yaks thrive, their wild counterparts encounter conservation challenges. Wild yaks, never domesticated by humans, are now classified as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
With only an estimated 7,500 to 10,000 mature individuals remaining in the wild, conservation efforts are imperative to safeguard this distinctive species.
Contemporary Hybrid Practices
Throughout the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau, communities use Dzo (male hybrid) and Dzomo (female hybrid), resulting from the crossbreeding of cattle and yaks.
This modern practice, reminiscent of the historical hybrid breeding observed in Bangga, underscores the lasting significance of agricultural innovations in the region.