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HIMALAYAN
MUSK DEER
Moschus
chrysogaster ...
The Himalayan musk deer was described by Hodgson
in 1839. The specific name sifanicus is sometimes
used in place of chrysogaster. The most primitive
of the cervids, musk deer have sometimes been placed in their
own family, as their morphology is half-way between chevrotains
and the true deer. The musk produced by this genus of
primitive deer is highly held for its cosmetic and alleged pharmaceutical
properties, and can fetch U.S. $45,000 per kilogram (2.2 pounds)
on the international market. Although this musk, produced
in a gland of the males, can be extracted from live animals,
most "musk-gatherers" kill the animals to remove the entire
sac, which yields only about 25 grams (1/40 of a kilogram) of
the brown waxy substance.
Moskhos (Greek) musk, also moschus
(New Latin) musk. Khrusos (Greek) gold; gaster
(Greek) the belly. ...
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size
Body Length: 86-100 cm / 2.8-3.3 ft.
Shoulder Height: 51-53 cm / 20-21 inches.
Tail Length: 4-6 cm / 1.6-2.4 inches
Weight: 11-18 kg / 24-40 lb.
Description
The general colour of the coat, composed
of brittle hairs, is a slightly grizzled brown. As
the name suggests, on the chest is a wide vertical whitish-yellow
stripe which extends up the throat to the chin. The
ears are tipped with yellow hairs. The body slopes
forward, as the hind legs are almost one third longer than
the forelegs, causing the height at the rump to be almost
10 cm / 4 inches above the shoulder. The ears are
large and rounded, generally lined with whitish fur. Both
sexes have well-developed upper canines, and in males these
may reach a length of 7 cm / 3 inches and protrude from
the mouth in a fang-like manner. The canines are constantly
growing, but, due to their mobility and fragility, they
are easily broken. There are no antlers as in other
deer species.
Reproduction
Gestation Period: 6.5 months.
Young per Birth: 1, sometimes 2.
Breeding occurs primarily in November-December,
with the resulting being born from May to June. After
birth, the young deer lie hidden in secluded areas, essentially
independent of their mothers except at feeding times. This
hiding period may last up to 2 months.
.
Life Cycle
Weaning: 3-4 months.
SexualMaturity: 18-24 months.
Life span: 12-20 years.
.
Habits
Himalayan musk deer are most active between
dusk and dawn, alternately resting and feeding throughout
this period. At night, musk deer can be seen in the
open areas of their habitat as they graze, while during
the day, they remain in dense cover. Neighbouring
individuals may utilize common latrines, an activity with
becomes more frequent during the mating season. Himalayan
musk deer are sedentary, remaining wthin a defined home
range throughout the year. In females these are about
125 acres in size, while male musk deer will control
a territory which encompasses the ranges of several females,
defending it against intrusion by rival males. The
Himalayan musk deer does not undertake any seasonal migrations,
remaining in the same area year-round despite harsh weather
conditions. A shy animal, the musk deer depends on
its sense of hearing to locate sources of danger. When
frightened, they make broad leaps, each measuring up to
6 meters / 19 feet in length. Drastic changes in direction
are made during flight, and every few jumps the animal will
stop and listen. Communication between individuals
is thought to be based primarily on their sense of smell,
due to the high development of the glands of musk deer.
Primarily silent, musk deer will emit a loud double
hiss if alarmed, and may scream plaintively if wounded.
Population densities are about 3-4 animals per square
kilometer.
Main Predators: Yellow-throated marten, fox, wolf,
lynx.
.
Status
As a species, the Himalayan musk deer is classified as low
risk, near threatened by the IUCN (1996). M. c. chrysogaster
and M. c. leucogaster are both classified as low risk,
near threatened subspecies.
.
Habitat
Alpine forest and scrub at elevations of 2,200-4,300 meters
/ 7250-14,200 feet on the eastern and southern edge of Tibet
and the southern slopes of the Himalayas.
