Wild yaks (Bos mutus) are large bovid native to Himalayan region particularly in the Tibetan plateau. Wild yaks are revered in the Tibetan Buddhist culture as a mythical creature. They are classified as Vulnerable in IUCN Red List of Threatened species and is listed as Critically Endangered in National Red List of Nepal. Previously thought to be extinct from Nepal, a small population was rediscovered in 2014 in the Limi valley of Humla district.
UKALI is a community-driven model, focusing on the Upper Karnali Landscape as a learning ground and field campus. Guided by the philosophy of “Leading by Locals,” the initiative ensures that conservation efforts are community-led and grounded in the cultural heritage and values of the landscapes it serves. With the broader vision of developing a replicable approach for other mountain regions in Nepal and beyond, UKALI strengthens local institutions, nurtures conservation leaders, and enhances the capacity of communities to actively participate in and benefit from conservation initiatives.