The musk ox (Ovibos moschatus), also known as the musk ox, is the only remaining representative of the bovine family. The distant ancestors of this animal lived in the highlands of Central Asia more than 10 million years ago. Then gradually settled Eurasia and North America. Due to climate change, their population has greatly decreased. At the beginning of the last century, they were also brought to Russia, to Wrangel Island and to Taimyr, where they successfully took root.
Musk bull: description
This is a large ungulate with a massive head and a short neck. Rounded horns provide reliable protection against predators. The body is almost completely covered with thick, dangling almost to the ground hair of dark brown and black color with a dense undercoat.
It is several times warmer than sheep’s wool and is able to save the animal from any frost. With the help of wide hooves, a musk ox can rake snow, getting its own food in the winter. Finding it under the snow helps a very well-developed sense of smell, thanks to which the musky bull also detects the approach of enemies. Big eyes allow you to recognize objects even in complete darkness. The height of the animal varies from 130 to 150 cm at the withers, and the weight is 260-650 kg. Males are much larger than females. Despite such significant size, a musk ox has a closer relationship not with cows, but with goats and sheep. The name of this animal has no relation to musk. It is associated with the Native American word "musked", meaning marshland.
Like goats, musk oxen can easily jump over rocks, steep slopes. The bulky and awkward forms do not prevent them from running fast at all, they are not inferior in speed even to a horse.
What does the musk ox eat
These animals are completely unpretentious in food. Despite the large body mass, the vegetation that appears in the short polar summer among permafrost is enough for them. In winter, they harvest lichens, sedge, dwarf birch and willow from under the snow. A musky bull consumes 5 times less food than a reindeer, and this amount of food is enough for him to maintain life.
Herd instinct
Between musk oxen, social ties are very developed, especially among females and calves. These are herd animals that live in groups of 15-20 individuals. Such a herd is supported, as a rule, by one dominant male. There is a very close relationship between the calf and his mother, they are in constant contact with each other. From the moment of birth, the calf interacts with all members of the group, participating in games that are an important component of the life of the herd.
Enemies
The main enemies in nature for a musky bull are wolves, bears, wolverines and, of course, hunters. To protect against predators at the time of danger, these strong animals stand in a ring close to each other, covering themselves with small calves, and in turn rush at the enemy. One of the males attacks, then returns back to the circle. So they fight back and when attacked by several predators. Strong and sharp horns are what a musky bull is famous for.
This method of protection does not work only in relation to a person, more precisely, the weapon that he uses. Hunters often use the immobility of musk oxen, rallied into a ring, and shoot them with a gun. These animals amaze with their sense of camaraderie. They surround the dead musk ox and stand to death, protecting him and forcing hunters to kill the whole herd. Therefore, the number of musk bulls with the appearance in the Arctic of people with firearms has fallen sharply.
Musk ox and man
The indigenous population of the Far North has long been using musk oxen as commercial animals. Their coat and warm undercoat, which is called giviot, are especially appreciated. More than 2 kg of valuable fluff can give a musky bull.
Pictures, such as the one above, show all the variety of products that can be made using yarn obtained from the hair of a musk ox. Animals kept in captivity are thoroughly combed to collect giviot, and those that are free leave a lot of hair during molting on plants. You just need to collect it.
The meat of musk bulls is also appreciated. The only exception is the meat of males that were killed during the mating season, because it has a rather strong smell of musk.
Mating season
The time of weddings among musk oxen comes at the height of the summer season. The male’s task is to become the owner of the harem, to attract as many females as possible, asserting his right in the battle with rivals. During this period, fights between bulls take place, which until recently had grazed together and defended themselves from predators. Having exchanged formidable glances, they back off, and then rush towards each other, clashing their foreheads. The losing male leaves the battlefield.
When the passions subside and the mating season ends, everyone again stumbles into a herd and continues to graze peacefully nearby. In May, calves are born. The female, as a rule, gives birth to one cub weighing about 7 kg, which is covered with thick hair. For almost a year, calves feed on mother's milk, which is characterized by high fat content. In the early days, feeding occurs up to 20 times per day.
Already in the first hours from the moment of birth, the calf can follow the mother, after 2-3 days it becomes more active, and a few days later it gets acquainted with other calves and plays with them merrily. A musky bull is growing up slowly. Only in the third year of life does he become sexually mature and capable of reproduction.
In the list of creatures in need of resettlement, there is today a musk bull. A photo of him can now be seen among images of animals to be protected. Scientists believe that it is necessary to restore the musk ox population in the Arctic. This will help increase hunting resources.