The term Tibetan Animal refers to three animals native to the Tibetan Plateau: the YAK, KIANG, and panda. The YAK is a large, long-haired bovine found throughout the Himalayan region of South Central Asia. The KIANG is the largest of the wild asses, native to the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas. The panda is a bear native to south central China and the Tibetan Plateau. All three of these animals are important to the culture and economy of Tibet.