Muskox
Ovibos moschatus
ok. 120 cmAdult male
at the shoulder
at the shoulder
- Mass
- 300–400 kgSamce
Muskox — size comparison
The muskox is a social herbivore of Arctic tundra. It has a barrel-shaped body, short legs and long hair hanging almost to the ground. Beneath the coarse outer
Silhouette comparison
Height
Ground barkReference values · details in the profiles
HeightScale in m
00,511,5
approx. 120 cm
The scale compares the named dimensions. View direction and measurement points are given for each animal.
Muskox — size comparison — facts and sources
The muskox is a social herbivore of Arctic tundra. It has a barrel-shaped body, short legs and long hair hanging almost to the ground. Beneath the coarse outer coat is exceptionally soft underfur called qiviut. Adult males have strongly developed horn bases protecting the forehead.
It eats grasses, sedges and dwarf shrubs, supplemented by other available plants. In winter, snow depth and hardness influence feeding locations because food must be reached beneath the surface. Groups may be larger then than in summer.
When threatened, muskoxen gather closely to shelter young with their bodies and horns. They may form an arc or defensive circle facing an attacker. This makes it harder for predators to separate a calf from the adults.
Animal Diversity Web podaje około 120 cm w barku. Dorosłe samce zwykle ważą 300–400 kg, więc gatunek wyraźnie przekracza próg kolekcji. Wysokość mierzymy do barku ukrytego pod futrem, nie do szczytu grzywy.