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Siberian Musk Deer

The elusive Siberian musk deer, with its saber-like fangs and musk-producing males, roams the dense forests of Northeast Asia. Its solitary, nocturnal lifestyle and unique adaptations make it a fascinating, yet vulnerable part of the ecosystem, crucial for seed dispersal and maintaining ecological balance.

10-14 years
Lifespan
6.80389 - 16.7834 kg
Weight
Length: 79 - 99 cm; Height: 51 - 71 cm
Size
Brown, Grey
Color
15.7 months
Age of Sexual Maturity
Low
Aggression
Vulnerable
Conservation Status
Decreasing
Population Trend
Characteristics
The Siberian musk deer (Moschus moschiferus) is a small, nocturnal ungulate native to forested and mountainous regions of Northeast Asia. Distinguished by its elongated fangs and absence of antlers, it is known for the musk gland in males, used in perfumery. This solitary creature plays a vital role in its ecosystem as both prey and seed disperser.
Distribution Range of the Siberian Musk Deer
Moschus moschiferus, commonly known as the Siberian musk deer, is native to Asia. Its geographical distribution includes parts of Russia (specifically Siberia), Mongolia, Kazakhstan, North Korea, and parts of China, including the northeastern provinces and the Tibetan Plateau.
Siberian Musk Deer's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
The Siberian musk deer typically inhabits mountainous regions with dense coniferous or mixed forests. It prefers areas with rugged terrain, steep slopes, and abundant undergrowth, which provide cover from predators. The climate in these regions is usually cold, with long, harsh winters and short, cool summers.
Ecological Niche
Moschus moschiferus is adapted to a solitary and crepuscular lifestyle, often active during twilight hours. It feeds primarily on leaves, twigs, and grasses, utilizing its specialized digestive system to extract nutrients from fibrous plant material. The musk deer plays a role in its ecosystem as both a herbivore and prey species, contributing to the forest's biodiversity and serving as a food source for predators like lynxes and snow leopards.