Himalayan Musk Deer
Description
The Himalayan Musk deer is a small compact deer. This is solitary shy animal, lives in mountainous regions in the Himalayas above altitudes of 2500 m. This musk deer is brown in colour, with a dense coat of coarse hairs. Their hind legs are significantly longer and more muscular than their shorter, thinner forelimbs. They have large ears, very short tail and no antlers. They possess a pair of enlarged and easily broken, continuously growing canine teeth that project downward from the mouth as tusks. Male musk deer posses a musk producing organ, the musk pod, on its abdomen. The deer use this to mark territories and attract female. The musk from that organ is valued for use in perfumes and medicines. The hunting and trade of the Himalayan musk deer is the main threat to the species. It is listed as endangered by the IUCN because of overexploitation resulting in a probable serious population decline.
Collection
Natural History
Object Type
Mammal
Material
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Schools/Culture/Period
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Technique
Taxidermy
Date
20th Century CE
Location
India