MUSK OX Ovibos moschatus

PAGE INDEX 1. Dorsal view (male) 2. Dorsal view (female) 3. Details

An inhabitant of the most northerly land in the world, the high arctic of N. Greenland andthe Canadian archipelago, the musk ox is probably more closely related to goats than oxen and may be a relic of the ice age fauna. It has been introduced to Alaska, Norway and S.W. Greenland.

Dental Formula : 0.0.3.3 / 3.1.3.3

	3.Musk ox skull, male, dorsal view.
	4.Musk ox skull, female, dorsal view.
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Details of Specimens Illustrated

Image 1

Musk Ox Ovibos moschatus

Sex - male

Stage - adult

Area collected - N E Greenland

Collection ref. - 80.001

Source - found dead, skeletonised

Measurements

Condylobasal length

472mm

Overall width (eye sockets)

250mm

Image 2

Musk Ox Ovibos moschatus

Sex - female

Stage - adult

Area collected - N E Greenland

Collection ref. - 92.009

Source - skull found outside 1930's trapper's hut

Measurements

Condylobasal length

400mm

Overall width (eye sockets)

200mm

Latin Name : Ovibos - from ovis "a sheep" and bos"a cow"; xmoschatus "musky"

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