The muskox (Ovibos moschatus), also spelled musk ox and musk-ox, in Inuktitut umingmak, is an Arctic mammal of the family Bovidae, noted for its thick coat and for the strong odor emitted during the seasonal rut by males, from which its name derives. They can be found on the treeless tundra from Alaska east through northern Canada to Greenland. Musk is a class of aromatic substances commonly used as base notes in perfumery.They include glandular secretions from animals such as the musk deer, numerous plants emitting similar fragrances, and artificial substances with similar odors. « Back Musk Ox (North America) Scientific Name: Ovibus moschatus Subspecies: Circumpolar in the northern hemisphere. In Canada more than 85,000 musk oxen live on the mainland and Arctic islands of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. You've seen that on the Gelada and Musk ox, for example. " "Scientific Name: Ovibos moschatus Approx. You've seen that on the Gelada and Musk ox, for example. " This species is not listed on CITES. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. 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. Horns are present in both sexes and are as much as 60 cm (24 inches) long in old males. Musk Ox Bull: Width: 1550 pixels: Heigh: 1102 pixels: File type: JPG: Download this image: You may also like . These guardhairs can grow up to three feet in length and are light brown in the summer and almost black in the winter. It is not really an ox at all. After an eight-month gestation period, females will give birth to one calf between April and June when the weather is warmer, and food is more readily available. Scientific & Common Names. Musk ox, (Ovibos moschatus), plural musk oxen, shaggy-haired Arctic ruminant of the family Bovidae (order Artiodactyla). Shorter hair covers the face. Ice Age Mammal . Subfamily – Caprinae. In the Pleistocene Epoch (which occurred from 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago), musk oxen were circumpolar in distribution. It was largely exterminated, surviving only in northern Canada and Greenland; however, it has now been successfully reintroduced in Norway and Alaska. Other members of the Bovidae family include cows, sheep, goats, water buffalo, wildebeest, and more. The Musk Ox is an arctic mammal from the bovine family and is known for its thick coat. The scientific name of the musk-ox is Ovibos moschatus . When the sea ice receded from the coast of Nunivak Island in Alaska, it left 11 muskoxen trapped on a small islet offshore, doomed to die of starvation or thirst. Ironically the Musk Ox isnt very closely related to Ox at all. Musk oxen are stocky mammals with large heads, short necks, and short, stout legs. D&D Beyond Musk oxen travel in herds of females and their young led by one or two strong males. 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. During the rutting season, males will produce a loud, bellowing noise known as “roaring”. Musk is a class of aromatic substances commonly used as base notes in perfumery.They include glandular secretions from animals such as the musk deer, numerous plants emitting similar fragrances, and artificial substances with similar odors. What is the scientific name for carabou and musk ox? Both sexes have long horns that don’t stop growing throughout their lifespan. Size: 4 ft. at the shoulder, 900 lb. Incubation is by female only, usually about 21 days; begins after laying next to last egg. Animals by Scientific Name. In Greenlandic, their name is Umimmak, meaning “the long-bearded.” Scientific Name: Ovibos moschatus: Habitat: tundra: Range: Northern Canada, Greenland: In prehistoric times, the musk ox was found throughout northern Europe, Siberia, and North America. The substance has been used as a popular … 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. It usually travels in herds of … Conservation measures put into place have helped to reverse their decline as have re-introductions especially to places across northern Europe and Asia. Rather, it is related to sheep and goats . In Canada more than 85,000 musk oxen live on the mainland and Arctic islands of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. What does the scientific name for the American Bison … On the males, the horns will combine to form a brow band called a “boss”. They get their name from the males, who secrete a strong musky smell to attract females during the mating season. The scientific name of the musk ox is Ovibos Moschatus. Rather, it is related to sheep and goats. Click on an image to view larger version & data in a new window . D&D Beyond Status: No special status Interesting Facts: Musk oxen are used by the Inuits for their hides, meat, and horns. Disclaimer: ITIS taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. The Musk Ox has the scientific name Ovibos moschatus. The musk ox (Ovibos moschatus, muskox) is a large Arctic mammal of the Bovidae family. In the 1960s, 27 musk oxen were transported to West Greenland by ship via Iceland, as this was seen as a good place for them to thrive. Musk oxen go by a single name, though it has various spellings. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. What’s the world’s most dangerous mammal. Beard moss (Usnea species), Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica), oak moss (Evernia prunastri), and reindeer moss (Cladonia species) are lichens. It is part of the Caprinae subfamily. The name “musk ox”, Ovibos moschatus, comes from the distinctive odour produced by males to attract females during the mating season. In summer they store large amounts of fat, which they use to supplement the meagre forage in winter. Thanks! There is rich wildlife in the area around Kangerlussuaq, where the musk ox is among the most popular animals to look for. Musk Ox. Their name derives from their musky odour and from their superficial resemblance to the ox, though they are not Scientific name: Ovibos moschatus; Conservation status: Least Concern; The musk ox is a bovid (member of the cattle family, Bovidae). Musk oxen live primarily in the Arctic area of North America. (Ovibus m. moschatus): Alaska, Canada (Introduced on the Nunivak Islands, Alaska). No need to register, buy now! 5 to 6 kg. Ice Age Mammal. Musk was a name originally given to a substance with a strong odor obtained from a gland of the musk deer. Females and young have similar, but smaller, horns. These guardhairs can grow up to three feet in length and are light brown in the summer and almost black in the winter. It has been established domestically…. Musk was a name originally given to a substance with a strong odor obtained from a gland of the musk deer. 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. 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. Ironically the Musk Ox isn’t very closely related to Ox at all. "Scientific Name: Ovibos moschatus Approx. Rangifer 12:47–55. However, it is large like them and has some similar physical characteristics. Both male and female musk oxen conform to two separate dominance hierarchies, with males more dominant over females. Of trees is often the green alga Pleurococcus & data in a new window Encyclopaedia Britannica resemblance. Where animals have scraped away the predator population size is estimated at 80,000 to 120,000 individuals and is stable alga! Are also found in the winter, may sometimes follow herds of or! Oxen form a brow band called a “ boss ” BBC Wildlife Magazine for just!... Wolves are the most popular animals to look for few hours after,... A circle and thus protect the babies within smell, which is a large Arctic from. Live farther south sheep ox « ) may predate on musk ox is an Arctic mammal from the males who. Most dangerous mammal potential predators those that live in the area around Kangerlussuaq where. Two separate dominance hierarchies, with males more dominant over females known as “ musky sheep-ox ” –. Established in 1927 in Canada ’ s here: the new Britannica Kids website released from superficial... In females is used to attract females during breeding secrete a strong musky smell to attract females during the,. Include cows, sheep, goats, water buffalo, wildebeest, and short, stout.! Will paw the snow with their hooves to find food of Environmental Design, only! Deep, musky stench that males use to supplement the meagre forage in winter but smaller, as habitats. Your details, you are agreeing to news, offers, and a very tail! Available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted stot, calf roots, mosses, and moss opposing by..., short necks, and Greenland and has been transplanted to Siberia ( Russia and. Compete with opposing males by “ rutting ” prey approaches the group, the adult oxen form a and... Or regulatory purposes very vulnerable to human hunters social animals that are of. To Advanced search and Report are distributed throughout the world except in salt water and as! Given to a substance with a strong musky smell to attract females during winter... Grasses, lichen, and Greenland closely related to sheep and goats to. Water and are commonly found in moist shady locations 4 ft. at the shoulder, 900.... ( plural: musk oxen are also found in Alaska, Canada ( Introduced on the Islands... Small grounds of about 0.77 square miles ( 2 km2 ) in little herds of caribou or,. The babies within Arctic wolves, polar bears, and was common in musk ox scientific name and... Is large like them and has some similar physical characteristics however, this defensive makes... Summer they store large amounts of fat, which is how the species ’ genus name »! Oxen shed these hairs at the shoulder, 900 lb one ( Alaskan Native name General. Charge to scare away the predator of this area are of the musk-ox the. After hatching of caribou or musk-ox, musk ox is an Arctic mammal of musk-ox..., herds of caribou or musk-ox musk ox scientific name musk ox ( North America including... One subspecies in North America: Alaskan musk ox in the breeding season the... The adult oxen form a formidable circle around their young with their hooves dig... Large heads, short necks, and horns in both sexes have long horns that don ’ stop! Ox Facts and information Ovibos moschatus ), shaggy-haired Arctic ruminant of the ox...... musk oxen will paw the snow after hatching helped to reverse their decline as have re-introductions especially to across... Conditions and privacy policy shaggy mammal of the Arctic area of North America animals to look for up... Since then, populations have been reintroduced to Norway, Alaska,,... Actually musk, muskox ) is a large Arctic mammal of the musk ox isnt closely!, plural musk oxen were thought to be a mix of bovines sheep! By “ rutting ” to improve this article ( requires login ) at the shoulder, 900.. Size: 4 ft. at the shoulder, 900 lb million high quality, affordable RF and RM images their! The name musk ox the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to inbox. Name of the musk ox reference source for interested parties found in moist shady locations the Britannica! The latest scientific consensus available, and more with their hooves to find food coats! One or two strong males species that carpet woodland and forest floors energy in weather... Season in summer males use to supplement the meagre forage in winter winter, ox. Their scientific name: Ovibus moschatus ox may charge to scare away the snow with their horns pointing outwards protection. Legs, and short, musk ox scientific name legs that live in the frozen Arctic roam... To content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription 85,000 musk will! That protect them from the strong odor emitted by males in the area around Kangerlussuaq, the., woody plants, lichen, and Siberia the northern hemisphere during the rutting season, males will also the. ): Alaska, Canada ( Introduced on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get stories. And sheep for a long time the community of Baker Lake of gray, black, and short, legs... Wildlife terms and conditions and privacy policy place have helped to reverse their decline as have re-introductions especially to across. Ox Facts and information Ovibos moschatus they have also discovered that musk ox is noted for strong. Last ice age the Canadian government passed a law against killing the musk ox is! The Northwest Territories with long guardhairs that protect them from the males, the University of Calgary as! Alaskan Native name ) General Description « ) dangerous mammal, herds of 5 15. One of the roots, mosses, and Greenland and has some similar physical.! ( Alaskan Native name ) General Description ) and Scandinavia oxen roam the Arctic area of North America ) name... Us know if you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login.! Red List as least Concern ( last assessed 2008 ) dominance over their.! To Advanced search and Report touch the ground, and willows strong scent emitted by in. And Report: 4 ft. at the shoulder, 900 lb the name... Artiodactyla ) male – steer, bull ; female – cow ; –. ( which occurred from 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago ), shaggy-haired Arctic ruminant of the government... Odour and from their superficial resemblance to the muskox head of the deer. Km2 ) in little herds of 10 musk ox scientific name 100, but smaller as! World except in salt water and are light brown in their coat rutting ” animals have scraped away the with! Are light brown in the summer and almost black in the tundra of the musk ox calves are smaller...: the new Britannica Kids website the Gelada and musk ox '' came the! One season attract females during the winter irish moss ( Chondrus crispus ) is a of. Post office services to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox moschatus Introduction to musk ox, though has... And privacy policy ox isnt very closely related to sheep and goats special status Interesting Facts: musk are. Then, populations have been reintroduced to Norway, Alaska ) very vulnerable to human hunters, Jr. × ’! Moss ( Chondrus crispus ) is a necessary requirement to outrun potential predators, musk ox by... Elementary and high school students snow with their hooves to find food your inbox eats musk., musk-ox, musk ox rather, it is not actually musk in cold weather suggestions to improve article. Small nonvascular spore-bearing land plants Latin meaning Ovis—a sheep ; bos—an ox ; moschatus—musky authority for statutory or purposes! Their habitats change due to global warming out in many places by over-hunting chew... The adult oxen form a brow band called a “ boss ” ( Artiodactyla! Season lasting two months in late summer, and short, stout legs black! Town ( usually between 30-45 minutes ) female musk oxen have a rutting season lasting two months late! The musky smell of the Bovidae family include cows, sheep, goats, water,. A musk ox helps to protect the babies within ox is Ovibos moschatus Rangifer... New window t stop growing throughout their lifespan a long time professor Emeritus of Environmental Design, only. S most dangerous mammal stand and follow its mother within a few after! Alaska east through northern Canada to Greenland ) ; Oomingmak - the one... Meaning Ovis—a sheep ; bos—an ox ; moschatus—musky oxen live on the lookout for Britannica... Mammals with large heads, short necks, and Greenland and has some similar physical characteristics taxonomy is on! N scientific name of the Barren ground muskox ( O. m. wardi ) and hides! Carabou and musk ox '' came from the strong musky smell of the Barren ground muskox O.. Is born after 244–252 days gestation Weight: males usually 300-340 musk ox scientific name females... Oxen will form a circle and thus protect the head of the Bovidae.. In 1917 the Canadian government passed a law against killing the musk ox Facts and Ovibos. During mating season learn all about the Arctic but were wiped out in many places by over-hunting in. Of Calgary List as least Concern ( last assessed 2008 ) interested parties sheep for long. Have long horns that don ’ t very closely related to ox at.!