Details
Ovibos moschatus
A large bovine of Arctic tundra and open northern grasslands. Its long guard hairs and dense underwool are adaptations to severe cold.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Muskoxen occupy Arctic tundra, open slopes, coastal plains, and windswept areas where winter snow can be shallow enough for feeding.
The body is stocky with high shoulders and long hair hanging along the flanks. Both sexes have curved horns, with males developing a heavy horn boss.
They live in herds and may form tight defensive groups against predators. Winter movements are often slow and energy-conserving.
They graze grasses and sedges and browse willow, lichens, and mosses. Summer feeding builds reserves for long winter conditions.
Breeding occurs from late summer into autumn. Females give birth to a single calf in spring, and calves soon follow the herd.
Some regional populations were lost to hunting, but protection and reintroductions have restored muskoxen to parts of their former range.
