moschiferus

Moschiferus is the species epithet most commonly associated with the Siberian musk deer, Moschus moschiferus, a member of the musk deer family Moschidae. The species is native to parts of Siberia and the Russian Far East, Mongolia, and northern China, with some records in the Korean Peninsula. It inhabits montane and boreal forests, typically at elevations from about 300 to 2,000 meters, and is adapted to cold, rugged terrain.

Adults are small to medium-sized deer. Males are larger than females and possess elongated canine teeth; the species lacks antlers. Body weight commonly ranges from roughly 8 to 25 kilograms, with a body length around 1 meter. The fur is dense and brownish, providing camouflage in forested habitats. The musk deer feed on grasses, twigs, leaves, and shrubs and tend to forage during dawn and dusk.

A notable biological feature is the musk-producing gland in males, which yields a strong scent used in territorial and mating signals. Musk deer are typically solitary or occur in small groups outside the breeding season. Breeding seasons vary by region, with a gestation period of about seven months, usually giving birth to one fawn per pregnancy. Fawns are altricial at birth and reach independence after a few months.

Conservation status and trade: the Siberian musk deer is threatened by poaching for musk and habitat loss, with declines in several parts of its range. It is protected under national laws across its range and is listed in Appendix II of CITES, which regulates international trade to prevent unsustainable exploitation. Conservation efforts emphasize habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and population monitoring.