Praeovibos priscus

Praeovibos priscus, also known as the giant muskox, is an extinct mammal species of the family Bovidae. This species used to be regarded as the ancestor to the modern muskox (Ovibos moschatus) but new findings suggest that these two species may be the same age.[1]

Praeovibos priscus
Temporal range: Pleistocene
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Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: †Praeovibos
Species:
†P. priscus
Binomial name
†Praeovibos priscus
Staudinger, 1908

The genus Praeovibos existed since the early Pleistocene, around 1.5 million years ago. The giant muskox spread to Alaska around 1 million years ago. At the end of the Pleistocene this genus went extinct. Remains of the giant muskox were found with early human remains, indicated that this species was hunted by humans.[2]

Description

Praeovibos priscus was larger than the modern muskox (Ovibos moschatus) with a shoulder height of 130–165 cm and longer, more massive limbs.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The giant muskox was widespread during the Pleistocene, ranging from western Europe to Alaska and the Northern Yukon Territory. During the Glacial Periods Praeovibus priscus lived in the upland together with reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) and other alpine animals. This species also lived in open wooded or savanna-like habitat, however in Spain and England it has been found living in moist, temperate forests.[2]

References
  1. Kurtén, Björn (1968). Pleistocene mammals of Europe. New Brunswick, N.J.: AldineTransaction. p 168. ISBN 9780202309538.
  2. Peter C. Lent (1999). Muskoxen and Their Hunters: A History. University of Oklahoma Press. ISBN 978-0-8061-3170-2
  3. Mol, D., De Vos, J. & Reumer, J.W. F., 1999 – Praeovibos priscus (Bovidae, Artiodactyla, Mammalia) from the North Sea and aspects of its paleoecology
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