This animal is actually related to sheep and goats. Their scientific name translates as “musky sheep-ox”. Description: Picture of musk ox. It has a thick coat, and was common in the northern hemisphere during the Pleistocene ice age.The males give off a strong odour, hence its name.This musky odour is used to attract females during mating season. Disclaimer: ITIS taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. When threatened by potential predators, musk oxen will form a formidable circle around their young with their horns pointing outwards for protection. "Scientific Name: Ovibos moschatus Approx. The other common spellings are “muskox” and “musk-ox.” These large, shaggy beasts are members of the Bovidae family. Diet: Grasses, lichen Musk ox have shaggy coats with long guardhairs that protect them from the bitter conditions of their tundra home. Incubation is by female only, usually about 21 days; begins after laying next to last egg. Habitat: Tundra in the north. Musk oxen are part of the Bovidae family, a taxonomic group of over 140 extant (living) species including domestic cattle, sheep, goats, bison, antelopes, and wildebeest. Family – Bovidae. Subfamily – Caprinae. Qiviut hairs are considered one of the world’s warmest natural fibres and musk oxen shed these hairs at the start of spring. Although the Musk Ox is part of the Bovidae family, it is surprisingly it is more closely related to sheep and goats than to cattle. Small herds live in northern Yukon. The male’s horns have a broad base and proceed sideways from the midline of the skull, dip downward at the sides of the head, and curve upward at the ends. The scientific name of the musk ox is Ovibos moschatus. One subspecies in North America: Alaskan Musk Ox. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Whilst cattle, bison and buffalos are in the subfamily Boninae, musk oxen are in the subfamily Caprinae, which also includes ibex, sheep, and goats. During the rutting season, males will produce a loud, bellowing noise known as “roaring”. Classification – Ovibos. Musk oxen are closely related to the mountain goat, chamois, and serow and are placed in the bovid subfamily Caprinae, along with the true goats and sheep. The musky smell is used to attract females during breeding. No need to register, buy now! The Muskox (Ovibos moschatus), also spelled musk ox and musk-ox, is a species of arctic hoofed mammal related to sheep and goats native to the tundras of Greenland, Norway, and a few small herds living in Russia. However, this defensive formation makes musk oxen very vulnerable to human hunters. The Musk Ox (Ovibos moschatus) are large cattle-like animals that are part of the Bovidae family. The female’s fat may be used to support lactation for calves that are born before grass and low-growing plants are uncovered by the melting snow. Scientific & Common Names. Males will also paw the ground, and lower their heads and charge at one another to communicate dominance over their competitor. Pale buff with brown spots. Professor Emeritus of Environmental Science, Faculty of Environmental Design, The University of Calgary. Musk Ox Bull: Width: 1550 pixels: Heigh: 1102 pixels: File type: JPG: Download this image: You may also like . Roaring in females is used to communicate with their calves, who bleat. Arctic wolves are the most common predator to the muskox. In Canada more than 85,000 musk oxen live on the mainland and Arctic islands of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. This means that musk oxen are more closely related to the species in the Caprinae family such as sheep and goats than they are to cows. It usually travels in herds of … Their name is derived from the strong musky smell of the bulls that is omitted during the mating season in summer. In 1935 and 1936, musk oxen were successfully introduced on Nunivak Island, Alaska, and some of these musk oxen were subsequently transplanted to Siberia and Scandinavia. Northern musk oxen are smaller than those that live farther south. Musk oxen are stocky mammals with large heads, short necks, and short, stout legs. Musk oxen roam the Arctic tundra in herds of ten to twenty in search for grasses and other ground plants they can chew on. Polar bears will also hunt and kill muskox. Klein, D. R. 1992. Musk oxen travel in herds of females and their young led by one or two strong males. Fandom Apps Take your favorite fandoms with you and never miss a beat. ... Musk oxen are social animals that live in herds of 10 to 100, but usually 10 to 20. 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