There is a long tradition of myth and legend among the diverse peoples who live in the shadows of the Himalayas. The harsh mountain environment has helped create a population with a deep respect for nature and a strong belief in the supernatural. Throughout the region tales of a mysterious manlike creature who inhabits the Himalayan forests pervade the culture and color the spiritual beliefs of the locals. It is known as the yeti, and it is as important to the Himalayan people as the mountains themselves.

According to most accounts, the yeti is about the size of a man, walks upright, has an apelike face and head, and is covered with heavy reddish-brown hair. Myth and misrepresentation have led Westerners to call this creature the "abominable snowman"; however, according to the legend of the Himalayan people, the yeti is neither abominable nor predominately snowbound. Sightings of the creature have occurred at a variety of elevations, both above and below the Himalayan snow line. And rather than being perceived as a threat to humans, the yeti is seen as a guardian of the mountains whose continued existence is an indication that the Himalayan ecosystems remain healthy and viable.

Belief in the yeti has endured based on stories of personal encounters passed through generations and villages. No yetis have ever been captured or studied directly, but many locals have reportedly seen yeti footprints in sand, soil and snow. These footprints resemble that of a large primate or possibly an upright bear. This comparison is not so extraordinary – the similarity between bear and primate feet is recognized by comparative anatomists. Indeed, many zoologists and anthropologists reject the idea that the yeti is a primate. To them, a large bear seems the most plausible explanation. However, those who believe the yeti to be a primate point to the fact that it is commonly said to have a cone-shaped head like that of a gorilla. Some believe that yetis may represent the remains of a population of prehistoric ape that lived in Asia hundreds of thousands of years ago. No matter what the true nature of the yeti, its legend only grows stronger with increased speculation.

There are many who believe the Yeti to be a primate – either an unknown species or a relic of a species that lived in Asia hundreds of thousands of years ago. They point to the fact that he is commonly said to have a cone-shaped head. Typically a cone-shaped head is caused by thick brow bones and a lump on the top of the forehead called the sagittal crest, both of which are gorilla features. The reddish brown color of the Yeti brings to mind the orangutan, a primate with a range that once included south Asia. Both the gorilla and the orangutan are members of the great ape family. It is curious that such characteristics are reported by people who are unlikely to have ever laid eyes on a great ape.

Further support for the existence of the Yeti comes from members of mountaineering expeditions. Since the early part of the 20th century, there have been a number of reports by climbers of seeing a large bi-pedal mammal at altitudes of 10,000 to 20,000 feet in the Himalayan Mountains. Unfortunately, none have produced conclusive evidence that the Yeti exists.

The legend of the Yeti is a source of livelihood for the people of the Himalayas. His image adorns monuments, buildings, artwork and tapestries throughout the Himalayan region. Many locals earn a living by selling Yeti-themed trinkets and souvenirs to tourists in the marketplaces. To the Himalayan people, the Yeti is sacred and believed in both as an earthly creature and a mythological being. One thing is for certain - no matter what the true nature of the Yeti, his legend only grows stronger with increased speculation.

Man and the Environment: A Delicate Balance