Praeovibos (SciiFii)

The giant muskox (Praeovibos priscus) is a species bovid that originally lived during the Pleistocene, ranging from western Europe to Alaska and the Northern Yukon Territory, and was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and reintroduced throughout the open wooded, savanna-like habitats and the moist, temperate forests in its former range to help boost biodiversity. The giant muskox is larger than the Arctic muskox (Ovibos moschatus) with a shoulder height of 130–165 cm and longer, more massive limbs. The giant muskox is a mixed feeder, with preference for grasses and other plants that grow in clearings and savannas. Giant muskoxen have relatively small herds, staying in groups as small as three and rarely over 50. If giant muskoxen are in a large group, they spend more time grazing, since there is less need to devote time to alert behavior. A herd of giant muskoxen typically consists of one or occasionally two bulls and a harem of adult females, juveniles and young calves. The rutting season occurs from August through to October. Bulls aged 4–6 years, though sexually mature, are prevented from mating by older bulls. Cows usually have a gestation period of 264 days, and typically give birth to one calf at a time. On average, male calves weigh 27.6 kilograms (60.8 lbs) at birth, and females 24.4 kilograms (53.8 lbs). Body size in males increases proportionately to the age of 6 years. While females have a higher increase in body mass in their first year, their growth rate is comparatively slower than that of males by the age of 3–5. Bulls reach sexual maturity at the age of two, while cows do so in their third year. Giant muskoxen have lived as long as 30 years in captivity, but in the wild their lifespans are shorter. The lifespan of a giant muskox in the wild is usually between 18 and 24 years, though females live longer than males. Productive breeding years are between four and 20 years of age in females, and only between six and 12 years of age in males. The conservation status of the giant muskox is Near Threatened due to habitat loss and overhunting, however, thanks to the conservationists, the giant muskox is a protected species.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii