The Mighty Musk Oxen
One Arctic creature that often gets an unfair reputation on polar holidays is the Musk Ox - so named for its thick coat and the strong odour that is emitted by the males, in order to attract a female mate during their mating season. Musk Oxen are believed to have migrated to Arctic North America over 90, 000 years ago, back when the animal might have (figuratively) rubbed shoulders with woolly mammoths! It's a testament to the species' impressive ability to endure hardships - it's theorised that Musk Oxen were able to survive the last ice age through both their superior stamina and by finding ice-free areas.
Characteristics
Musk Oxen are an interesting species to observe on polar holidays, as they're an animal of contrasts. While adults are large creatures - standing 10 oxen 1. 2 metres tall and weighing up to 900 pounds - their thick coats and large heads often make the animal appear to be even larger than it really is. Their coats can also be much more valuable than their distinctive odour might suggest - the long black and brown hairs form a wool called qiviut, which is highly prized for its softness and its insulation value. A scarf or other garment of qiviut wool can be a wonderful memento of a trip spent observing these fascinating animals.
Observing the Herd
You're likely to see Musk Oxen in a wide variety of social situations during your polar holidays - not in the sense that you might share a friendly conversation over dinner, but rather that Musk Oxen (perhaps also contrary to their moniker) are actually quite social animals. They often live in packs of 12 to 24 members in the winter, and from 8 to 20 members in the easier summer months. As might be expected, there is a clear hierarchy to the herds in order. Dominant Musk Oxen lay their claim to the best patches of grass, and keep their subordinates in line by roaring, swinging their heads, and pawing at the ground. A particularly authoritarian Musk Ox may even casually kick a subordinate with its foreleg, just to remind the other members of the herd who's in charge!
The Population
Although the population of Musk Oxen historically declined due to human hunting, proactive population management has ensured that the species thrives across Arctic North America and Greenland. They make a wonderful sight to observe on your polar holidays, and can be spotted without needing to get close enough to enjoy their distinctive musk!
Characteristics
Musk Oxen are an interesting species to observe on polar holidays, as they're an animal of contrasts. While adults are large creatures - standing 10 oxen 1. 2 metres tall and weighing up to 900 pounds - their thick coats and large heads often make the animal appear to be even larger than it really is. Their coats can also be much more valuable than their distinctive odour might suggest - the long black and brown hairs form a wool called qiviut, which is highly prized for its softness and its insulation value. A scarf or other garment of qiviut wool can be a wonderful memento of a trip spent observing these fascinating animals.
Observing the Herd
You're likely to see Musk Oxen in a wide variety of social situations during your polar holidays - not in the sense that you might share a friendly conversation over dinner, but rather that Musk Oxen (perhaps also contrary to their moniker) are actually quite social animals. They often live in packs of 12 to 24 members in the winter, and from 8 to 20 members in the easier summer months. As might be expected, there is a clear hierarchy to the herds in order. Dominant Musk Oxen lay their claim to the best patches of grass, and keep their subordinates in line by roaring, swinging their heads, and pawing at the ground. A particularly authoritarian Musk Ox may even casually kick a subordinate with its foreleg, just to remind the other members of the herd who's in charge!
The Population
Although the population of Musk Oxen historically declined due to human hunting, proactive population management has ensured that the species thrives across Arctic North America and Greenland. They make a wonderful sight to observe on your polar holidays, and can be spotted without needing to get close enough to enjoy their distinctive musk!
Comments
Post a Comment