Himalayan yak
Prelims:
Science & Technology, Environment &
Ecology, Agriculture,
Geography
Mains:
GS Paper III-Science &
Technology, Agriculture, Environment, Internal Security
Current relevance:
Scientists
from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research's
(ICAR) National Research Centre on Yak (NRC-Y), Dirang (Arunachal Pradesh),
in collaboration with Assam Don Bosco
University, have developed an Internet
of Things (IoT)-based smart collar.
Highlights:
Technological
Innovation:
1.
Internet
of Things (IoT)-Based Smart Collar:
The system consists of a wearable smart collar fitted on the yak that uses embedded sensors and wireless communication
to continuously collect and transmit physiological and location data in real
time.
2.
Geo-Fencing
Capability:
The device employs geo-fencing technology, creating virtual boundaries using GPS,
Wi-Fi, and cellular networks. It sends
alerts whenever an animal crosses the predefined geographical limits.
3.
Real-Time
Health Monitoring
The smart system continuously monitors the yak's
health status, stress levels, and
movement patterns, enabling the early detection of illness and facilitating
timely veterinary intervention.
About Himalayan yak:
1.
It is also known as "Ship of the Himalayas"
2.
The yak is native to the Himalayan and Tibetan Plateau region of
Asia.
3.
Major populations are
found in Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand.
4.
Adapted to extreme cold and low-oxygen environments,
the Himalayan yak primarily inhabits alpine
meadows, high-altitude grasslands, mountain pastures, and cold desert landscapes.
5.
Both male and female Himalayan yaks possess
curved horns, although they vary in size and shape.
6.
It serves multiple economic purposes by providing
milk, meat, wool, hair, leather, and manure, while also acting as a reliable
draught and transport animal in the Himalayas.
Source: THE HINDU -https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/scientists-develop-health-tracker-for-high-altitude-yaks/article71190428.ece