Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The muskox (Ovibos moschatus) is an arctic ungulate that is well adapted to a cold climate. During the winter months, the species is found primarily in areas where food is scarce and where climatic conditions are particularly harsh. Muskoxen live in herds whose size and composition vary over time. Herds can consist of mixed groups of bulls, cows, and calves, but also of smaller groups of bulls or solitary bulls. Living in a herd provides increased protection against predators, improved opportunities for foraging, and the ability to form harems.
The aim of this study was to investigate whether social interactions occur within a group of seven muskoxen at the Myskoxcentrum in Härjedalen, Sweden. The study was conducted as an ethological observational study over 10 days in April. The observation sessions lasted 60 minutes and were conducted four times a day, during which the social behaviors of all individuals were continuously recorded. Both the initiator and the recipient of the observed behaviors were registered.
The results revealed a clear hierarchical structure within the group. The oldest and largest male exhibited the highest social rank and dominated the group’s interactions to a greater extent. Younger individuals more frequently displayed submissive behaviors toward higher-ranking animals. Furthermore, the results indicate that social interactions occurred primarily during feeding, where high-ranking individuals exhibited agonistic behaviors while low-ranking individuals exhibited submissive behaviors. Positive interactions were limited throughout the study. Aside from behaviors during feeding, social interactions did not occur to any significant extent.
In summary, the study’s results suggest that muskoxen in captivity exhibit a relatively low degree of social interaction, with behaviors primarily occurring in connection with competition for food. Further research is needed to deepen our understanding of muskoxen’s social behaviors, both in captivity and in the wild.