Musk ox | Facts & Information

Area: Arctic (North America, Sweden, Siberia and Norway)

Female length: 135 – 200 cm (4.4 to 6.6 ft)

Features: has the longest fur (over 1m long)

Origin

The musk ox (Ovibos moschatus) is an arctic mammal that belongs to the family Bovidae. It can be found most often in Alaska and Greenland.

It is believed that this animal has existed for 100,000 years, being contemporary with the mammoth.

Its name comes from the strong smell left behind by the males.

It has been introduced to several Nordic countries such as Sweden and Norway.

At the time of this writing the species is not in danger of extinction.

Musk ox feed

Musk ox is a herbivorous animal. It feeds on plants, grass, roots or lichens.

In the warm season or when food is abundant, the number of individuals in the herd increases. The greater the amount of feed the better and juicier grass will choose.

Being an animal that lives among lakes and glaciers, it has no problems quenching its thirst.

Appearance musk ox

With a height of up to 1.5 m at the shoulder it is one of the largest animals in the Arctic.

The body is covered with a long and thick fur. It is recognized for fur with the longest strands. They often exceed 1 meter in length. It keeps the animal warm at temperatures up to -60 degrees.

The fur is called qiviut (or qiviuq). It is very appreciated for its length, resistance and very good insulation in the cold. The price for an ounce (28.35 grams) is between $ 40 and $ 80.

Both sexes, both male and female, have long, curved and sharp horns

Musk ox behavior

They usually gather in flocks of 10 to 30 individuals. If conditions are good and food is available, flocks of 60 individuals can also be seen.

When the herd is attacked the weakest (some females and Cubs) are protected in the middle of a circle. Males use their sharp horns and force to drive away predators.

Musk ox breeding

The struggle for females lasts long enough. Males fight serious fights with howls and bellows to impress and conquer females. The strong smell also plays an important role in the mating season.

After mating, the gestation period lasts 6 months. The female usually gives birth to a single cub weighing 8kg. The chicken grows in the first month by 0.5 kg / day.