Biologists and climatologists may have a new favorite animal. Ovibos moschatus, more commonly known as the musk ox, is curious for its appearance and its ability survive in the harshest of environments.
Found in the Arctic belt, the musk ox—not an ox or a buffalo, but a relative of the goat—are the sole survivors of the ice age that decimated the mammoths and mastodons and scientists want to know why. The hope within the scientific community is that the musk ox’s survival and ability to adapt to changing weather conditions may serve as a guide for conservationists working to save other species from extinction.
Joel Berger, researcher with the Wildlife Conservation Society, believes the musk ox share a form of society with close familial ties, similar to elephant herds. A herd of musk ox will present a united front against predators by shielded their young within a circle, horns facing out. They also seem deft at remembering where the best eating is from season to season.
To survive in the harsh Arctic climate, Jim Lawler of the National Park Service’s Arctic Network explains that the musk ox rely on several layers of fur for winter warmth and bug protection in the summer. Musk ox aren’t a migratory species and can be found in winter covered in snow standing relatively motionless with decreased metabolism and heart rate in what scientists refer to as “hibernational fresco.”
Throughout history, the musk ox population has fluctuated between periods of great numbers and near extinction. This persistent fluctuation over time means today’s population—estimated at 100,000—lacks the genetic diversity often thought to be an essential component of long-term species survival.
Berger and his fellow researchers will continue to study the musk ox through capture, examination, and GPS monitoring.
With reporting from Natalie Angier of the New York Times.
