Moschus

Moschus is a genus of artiodactyl within the family Moschidae, commonly known as musk deer. The genus contains seven species that are recognized as of 2004. They are native to Asia and notably diverse in China.

Description

Musk deer are small, compact animals. They are generally 80 to 100 cm (31 to 39 in) long, 50 to 70 cm (20 to 28 in) high at the shoulder, and weigh between 7 and 17 kg (15 and 37 lb). The feet of musk deer are adapted for climbing in rough terrain. Both the male and the female have a pair of fang-like canines that reach below the lower jaw.

Behavior

Musk deer are solitary animals that maintain well-defined territories, which they mark with their scent. They are most active at dawn and dusk, and are often active during the day. The diet of the musk deer consists mainly of grasses, leaves, flowers, mosses and lichens.

Species

The genus Moschus contains the following species:

• Forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii)
• Alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster)
• Kashmir musk deer (Moschus cupreus)
• Black musk deer (Moschus fuscus)
• White-bellied musk deer (Moschus leucogaster)
• Siberian musk deer (Moschus moschiferus)
• Anhui musk deer (Moschus anhuiensis)

Conservation

Musk deer are threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and overgrazing by domestic livestock. They are also hunted for their musk, which is used in traditional medicine and perfume.

See also

• List of Artiodactyla by population
• List of mammals of Korea
• List of mammals of China

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Moschus

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  Hvd.hx6e89-seq 139 (crop1) - Copy (cropped)
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  Europa poem by Moschus, Greek, 15th century