Muskox
The musk ox is easily recognised in the most remote, cold northern areas of the world by its prehistoric features, such as thick wool and curved horns.
Facts about Muskox
- Arctic
- Canada
- Greenland
- Norway
Musk Ox Quick Overview
Scientific Name: Ovibos moschatus
Population: Estimated at approximately 80,000–125,000 globally
Regions: Arctic, North America, Greenland
Destinations: Canada, Norway, Greenland (Kangerlussuaq, Disko Bay, Nuup Kangerlua, Ilulissat, Qeqertarsuaq, Uummannaq, Qassiarsuk, Ittoqqortoormiit)
Average Length: Adult: Males: ~2.0–2.5 m (6.6–8.2 ft), Females: ~1.9–2.1 m (6.2–6.9 ft); Newborn: ~80 cm (2.6 ft)
Average Weight: Adult: Males: ~350–450 kg (770–990 lbs), Females: ~200–300 kg (440–660 lbs); Newborn: ~10–15 kg (22–33 lbs)
Diet Habits: Primarily grasses, Arctic willows, mosses, lichens, and woody plants. In winter, they survive on twigs and branches.
Musk Ox Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Ovibos
Species: O. moschatus
Musk Ox Explorer Passport
English: Muskox
Danish: Moskusokse
Chinese: 麝牛 (Shèniú)
Swedish: Myskoxe
Finnish: Myskihärkä
Norwegian: Moskusfe
Polish: Wołek piżmowy
Japanese: ジャコウウシ (Jakō ushi)
Spanish: Buey almizclero
French: Bœuf musqué
Unlocking the Secrets of the Musk Ox
What does a muskox look like?
Musk oxen are compact and have a stocky body adapted to conserve heat. They are covered with the world’s warmest and thickest wool hair, which is 70 cm long. Adult muskoxen weigh between 200-450kg and have an approximate length of 1.9-2.5 m, with males usually being bigger. They have curved horns and are dark brown with lighter hair in some parts of the body.
Where do muskox live?
The musk ox habitat is in the tundra regions of the Arctic. Originally, it came from the northern Arctic areas of Canada. This animal continued travelling northwards until it found the harsher northern regions of Greenland. In modern times, small populations of musk oxen can be observed in West Greenland and Norway, but because winter is not as cold and dry there, those areas are not as attractive for them. Furthermore, a herd was introduced in the northeastern Greenland regions of Svalbard in 1929, but the last animal was seen in 1983. As for the western Greenlandic regions around Kangerlussuaq, since the conditions suit the musk oxen, it has the world's largest population, estimated at 10,000 to 25,000 individuals. These oxen can also be seen in Disko Bay and Nuup Kangerlua.
What do muskox eat?
The musk ox is a herbivorous ruminant animal that feeds on grasses, Arctic willows, mosses, and lichens. During harsh winter seasons, musk oxen struggle to find food, as it is too deeply buried in the snow, making it inaccessible. So, they have to feed on bare twigs and branches. This is possible because of its highly efficient digestive system, which has a long intestinal tract that can break down all types of food found in the Arctic.
What is the origin of the name "musk ox"?
The name 'musk ox' derives from the fact that the male secretes a small amount of musk oil with a strong smell during the seasonal mating, which attracts females.
How many muskox are left in the world?
According to the IUCN Red List, muskoxen are classified as ‘Near Threatened’. Their population is estimated at 80-125,000 individuals.
Who are the predators of the muskox?
Muskoxen's main predators include wolves and bears. To defend themselves, they are frequently observed in groups of about 20 individuals, with the strongest positioned at the edge to protect baby muskoxen.
Muskoxen and their calf stand close together, showcasing their thick Arctic coats and powerful presence.
How Many of These 10 Musk Ox Facts Did You Already Know?
Musk Ox Fact #1:
Musk ox sound resembles a prehistoric growl.
Musk Ox Fact #2:
A baby muskox is called a calf.
Musk Ox Fact #3:
Muskox calves are born weighing approximately 10 to 15 kg.
Muskox Fact #4:
Musk ox lifespan is approximately 12 to 20 years.
Musk Ox Fact #5:
Musk ox fur is called ‘Qiviut’.
Musk Ox Fact #6:
Until around 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, musk oxen were found in Siberia.
Musk Ox Fact #7:
During mating season, males fight by knocking their foreheads against others.
Musk Ox Fact #8:
Muskox hunting is legal in some regions of Canada, Greenland and Alaska.
Musk Ox Fact #9:
Surprisingly, the closest relatives of the musk oxen are sheep and goats.
Musk Ox Fact #10:
Musk ox adaptations, such as long hair, were necessary for this animal to survive in the cold Arctic environments over centuries.
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