Muskösen

Muskösen is a term that can refer to the musk ox, Ovibos moschatus, a large Arctic mammal in the family Bovidae. In standard Swedish, the animal is more commonly referred to as muskoxen, but muskösen may appear in some dialectal or older usages.

The musk ox is adapted to{

cold environments, with a thick, two-layer coat consisting of a long outer layer of guard hairs and a dense undercoat called qiviut. This underfur is one of the warmest natural fibers and was historically prized by Indigenous peoples. Adults typically stand about 1.2 to 1.4 meters at the shoulder and can weigh between 180 and 400 kilograms, with males usually larger than females. The head is broad, and both sexes have distinctive curved horns that extend downward and inward.

Distribution and habitat are Arctic in nature. Muskösen inhabit tundra and subarctic regions of northern North America and Greenland, with seasonal migrations linked to forage quality and snow cover. Their diet includes grasses, moss, lichen, and other low-lying vegetation, allowing them to survive on nutrient-poor forage found in northern habitats.

Behaviorally, muskösen form herds that may range from small groups to large aggregations, especially during migrations or in seasonal feeding areas. Calving occurs in late spring or early summer, with a single calf being most common. Gestation lasts about eight months.

Conservation status is generally favorable, with the species categorized as Least Concern by major international assessments due to wide distribution and relatively stable populations. Local declines can occur from hunting pressure and climate-related habitat changes, but protected areas and sustainable management programs help maintain populations. The name musk ox historically reflects the musky odor produced by glands, which played a role in traditional uses of the animal.