The purpose of this study is to summarize and relate the major characteristics of the genera comprised in the Tribe Ovibovini, including those groups, fossil and living. With the limited data at hand a tentative phylogenetic chart has also been drawn up. It is hoped that mapping the past distribution of tribe members and also considering the existing genera in the light of environmental influences prevalent at the time, will facilitate explanation of their distributional pattern and give some idea as to the ecological adaptations among muskoxen as well as the approximate dispersal center of the group. There has been much fragmental work carried on in various countries and concerning confined phases of distribution and taxonomy of the Ovibovini but the history of the tribe is essentially Holarctic and must be considered from that viewpoint in order to obtain an integrated, meaningful picture. Information in some detail is provided on the ecology, behaviour and possible economic future of one of the existing species, Ovibos moschatus. Much of the material in this case has been derived from a year’s data taken in the vicinity of Lake Hazen, N.W.T., augmented by further field work near Alert, N.W.T., and on the northern coast of Devon Island.

The purpose of this study is to summarize and relate the major characteristics of the genera comprised in the Tribe Ovibovini, including those groups, fossil and living. With the limited data at hand a tentative phylogenetic chart has also been drawn up. It is hoped that mapping the past distribution of tribe members and also considering the existing genera in the light of environmental influences prevalent at the time, will facilitate explanation of their distributional pattern and give some idea as to the ecological adaptations among muskoxen as well as the approximate dispersal center of the group. There has been much fragmental work carried on in various countries and concerning confined phases of distribution and taxonomy of the Ovibovini but the history of the tribe is essentially Holarctic and must be considered from that viewpoint in order to obtain an integrated, meaningful picture. Information in some detail is provided on the ecology, behaviour and possible economic future of one of the existing species, Ovibos moschatus. Much of the material in this case has been derived from a year’s data taken in the vicinity of Lake Hazen, N.W.T., augmented by further field work near Alert, N.W.T., and on the northern coast of Devon Island.

The purpose of this study is to summarize and relate the major characteristics of the genera comprised in the Tribe Ovibovini, including those groups, fossil and living. With the limited data at hand a tentative phylogenetic chart has also been drawn up. It is hoped that mapping the past distribution of tribe members and also considering the existing genera in the light of environmental influences prevalent at the time, will facilitate explanation of their distributional pattern and give some idea as to the ecological adaptations among muskoxen as well as the approximate dispersal center of the group. There has been much fragmental work carried on in various countries and concerning confined phases of distribution and taxonomy of the Ovibovini but the history of the tribe is essentially Holarctic and must be considered from that viewpoint in order to obtain an integrated, meaningful picture. Information in some detail is provided on the ecology, behaviour and possible economic future of one of the existing species, Ovibos moschatus. Much of the material in this case has been derived from a year’s data taken in the vicinity of Lake Hazen, N.W.T., augmented by further field work near Alert, N.W.T., and on the northern coast of Devon Island.

A study of the muskox (Ovlbos moschatus) in relation to its environment was carried out in the Canadian Arctic between 1952 and 1959. Environmental factors such as climate, soils and summer and winter range vegetation were examined. The numbers, distribution, population structure, behaviour and general biology of muskoxen were studied. Muskoxen live in an Arctic environment of short cool summers, long, cold winters and relatively little snow. Range studies at the southern and northern limits of muskox distribution in Canada revealed major differences in plant species occurrence, annual production and chemical values. The summer ranges in the Thelon Game Sanctuary produced more woody food species than Lake Hazen ranges and were calculated to support as many as seven times the number of muskoxen. Thelon winter ranges may support up to ten times as many muskoxen as Lake Hazen winter ranges of comparable size. Total annual forage production in the Thelon compares favourably with forage production on mountain sheep and elk ranges in Jasper and Banff National Parks. Summer and winter food habits of the species were determined. Chemical analyses of the important foods revealed that adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, calcium and phosphorous, with perhaps less fat than desirable were available to muskoxen on Thelon summer ranges. Thelon winter range foods contain less phosphorous than recommended for range cattle, which conceivably could interfere with reproductive performance. Lake Hazen summer and winter range foods appeared to be nutritionally adequate although low forage production may affect population growth adversely. Muskoxen are slowly increasing in most areas in the Arctic where they occur. Studies of age structure in herds indicate that calf production is low by most ungulate standards. The muskox exhibits a number of adaptations to Arctic living. Its short limbs, dense inner and outer hair and its generally slow movements contribute to heat conservation. As a ruminant, the muskox synthesizes Vitamin B and proteins. Food probably is stored in summer in the liver for winter use. Lactation is prolonged, up to 15 months at least, which would assist calf survival during winter. The ungulate eye permits feeding during winter darkness. Muskoxen are cosmopolitan feeders, essential in areas such as the Arctic where plant growth is sparse. Feeding is not intensive in an area, as herds are widely scattered and move frequently. The relatively late age of sexual maturity in cows and. bulls reported for wild living individuals, the low percentage of calves in populations studied, the production of calves biennially, the generally low production of food in Arctic regions and the barely adequate nutritive value of winter food species indicate that muskox populations in northern regions will not reach densities which will support intensive utilization. / Science, Faculty of / Zoology, Department of / Graduate

Herds of musk-oxen in the vicinity of Slidre Fiord, Ellesmere Island, N.W.T., were studied from April 19 to August 24, 1951, to obtain facts concerning the life requirements of these ungulates. The Canadian Wildlife Service, Department of Resources and Development, Ottawa, initiated the investigation in order to be able to consider these requirements for management purposes. Vital statistics were gathered on the herds. The sexes and ages of the animals were determined, and the proportions of these classes were analyzed. The calving and the breeding seasons were determined as specifically as possible. Winter and summer ranges were examined to determine their characteristics satisfying, the needs of musk-oxen. Movements to the ranges were observed to ascertain whether or not they were migratory. The kinds and densities of plant species existing on the summer range were recorded. Food habits of musk-oxen were determined by timed counts and by the examination of the stomach contents of a two-year-old bull. Wolf predation was evaluated by scat analysis, by the examination of wolf, stomachs, by the examination of remains of dead musk-oxen, and by observation of attempted predation. / Science, Faculty of / Zoology, Department of / Graduate

No description available.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Leeds, 1922. / Holograph. Caption title. Includes photocopies of the report of the Royal Commission to Investigate the Possibilities of Musk-ox Industries in the Arctic and Sub-arctic regions of Canada, and a letter from W.T. Hornaday, Curator, New York Zoological Society addressed to the Commission concerning the viability of domestic music ox herds. Contents: v.1. Thesis, Ovibos fibre -- v.2 Samples, Ovibos (musk ox) fibre.