Guide to field classification by sex and age of the muskox

Reliable data on sex–age class composition of muskox (Ovibos moschatus) herds are necessary prerequisites to any successful management initiative. The classification requires some training to be exact; this paper presents a photographic record and description of field characteristics of a total of e...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian Journal of Zoology
Main Authors: Olesen, Carsten Riis, Thing, Henning
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1989
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z89-159
http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z89-159
Description
Summary:Reliable data on sex–age class composition of muskox (Ovibos moschatus) herds are necessary prerequisites to any successful management initiative. The classification requires some training to be exact; this paper presents a photographic record and description of field characteristics of a total of eight different sex–age classes, thus enabling the observer to perform a correct herd segregation. Differentiation of muskoxen relies primarily on horn development and secondarily on body and pelage.