Moschus fuscus
dusky musk deer

Moschus fuschus is found in the southeastern Xizang and western Yunnan portions of China. This species is also found in northern Burma and southeastern Tibet. (Hoptner et al., 1988; Nowak, 1999; Wilson and Reeder, 1993; Yang et al., 2002)

Musk deer are found in moderately steep alpine and sub-alpine forested regions, often near rocky areas and treeline. Moschus fuscus is commonly found at elevations between 2,600 and 3,600 m. (Nowak, 1999; Yang et al., 2002)

Moschus fuscus resembles a small deer, with weights varying between 10 and 15 kg, and lengths varying between 70 and 100 cm. Hind legs are notably longer and more robust than front legs, allowing for saltatorial motion. Males and females are similar in size, and neither have antlers. Both sexes have thick, coarse hair which provides protection from harsh alpine climates. Pelage is generally brown, although there is a good deal of variation in base color, as well in vibrancy of markings such as spotting. Hair is generally paler ventrally and on inner surfaces of legs. There is a yearly molt. Males show elongate unrooted upper canines, which form curved sabers that can extend well below the lower jaw at maturity. The upper canines of females are always present but do not extend out of the mouth. The dental formula is (i0/1 c1/1 p3/3 m3/3)=34. Eyes and ears are large and well developed. Moschus does not have the facial glands of most Cervids, and unlike most Cervids, also posesses a gall bladder. Mature males have a musk gland, located ventrally between navel and genetalia, which is absent in females and juveniles. Females have two mammae. (Hoptner et al., 1988; Nowak, 1999; Yang et al., 2002)

There is little known about the lifespan of M. fuscus although other captive Moschus have been found to live up to 20 years in captivity. (Nowak, 1999)

Moschus species are typically solitary. It is rare to see more than two together, except in cases of a female with young, and males especially are territorial. These animals are mostly active at dawn, dusk, and at night. Communication is generally through scent markings from caudal, interdigital, and musk glands, as well as through urination and defication. Some species have been known to urinate and deficate in common latrines during the autumn and winter months. (Hoptner et al., 1988; Nowak, 1999; Wilson and Reeder, 1993; Yang et al., 2002)

Home Range

Males scent mark and defend territories of up to 300 hectares, and male territories generally encompass the territories of multiple females. (Hoptner et al., 1988; Nowak, 1999)

It is reported that Moschus communicates through scent from interdigital, caudal, and musk glands, as well as through urination and defecation. Musk deer also make a low, hissing noise, and fight when put together in ill fated attempts to raise them commercially. Their large ears and eyes suggest keen hearing and eyesight, and reliance on these senses. Although not specifically reported, we can infer that tactile communication is important, especially between mothers and their offspring and mates. (Hoptner et al., 1988; Nowak, 1999; Shusheng and Shila, 2000; Wilson and Reeder, 1993; Yang et al., 2002)

Moschus fuscus is an herbivorous ruminant, and has been known to consme grass, forbes, and lichens, as well as some browse. (Hoptner et al., 1988; Nowak, 1999)

The principle predator of musk deer is Homo sapiens, which hunts these animals for their musk glands. Lynx, wolverine , and yellow-throated marten have been known to prey on young musk deer. One study found musk deer remains in 43% of lynx feces. Musk deer may evade their predators by remaining cryptic and using the dense vegetation they inhabit to hide. (Hoptner et al., 1988; Shusheng and Shila, 2000; Yang et al., 2002)

The role of these animals within their ecosystem has not been reported. We may reasonably infer that they have some impact on vegetation through their foraging behavior. They are also important in food webs, as evidenced by the high number of lynx scats found with musk deer remains.

It is unlikely that these shy deer have any negative impact on humans.

The musk glands of mature male Moschus have been of historic and current importance for use in soaps and perfumes. Males are hunted and trapped for musk, which, on the 1986 international market, was worth more than gold at U.S. $45,000 per kilogram. Musk has also been used as a component of traditional medicine in China, as a stimulant and as a sedative. (Nowak, 1999; Yang et al., 2002)

It is assumed that M. fuscus is very rare, although the population size is unknown, as the distribution is limited. The species is listed in CITES Appendix 1.

All musk deer have been hunted extensively for the musk glands of the mature males. During the 1960s when musk prices were high, the annual kill rate in China was about 500,000 animals. This overexploitation led to an extreme populaion crash, with the estimated number of musk deer in China falling to one million from about three million (in the 1950s). The population of Siberian musk deer was estimated to fall 70% in roughly a decade (from the 1980s to 1990s) due to overhunting.

Habitat destruction is another concern, with deforestation the main source of habitat loss. (Hoptner et al., 1988; Nowak, 1999; Shusheng and Shila, 2000; Wilson and Reeder, 1993; Yang et al., 2002)