Scientific Name: Moschus chrysogaster
Family: Although commonly called a "deer," the Alpine musk deer belongs to a family more closely related to Bovidae, which includes antelopes, bovines, sheep, and goats.
Behavior: This species is solitary and primarily crepuscular, meaning it is most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk.
Distinctive Features: The male Alpine musk deer is named after its musk sac, which is externally visible between its testes. It also has fangs that grow during the mating season, which are used for sparring with other males.
Habitat: The Alpine musk deer is native to mountainous regions at elevations of 3,000–5,000 meters. It inhabits coniferous and deciduous forests, and is found across parts of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China.
Diet: A ruminant herbivore, its diet primarily includes forbs, grasses, moss, lichens, and the twigs, leaves, and shoots of shrubs.
IUCN Red List: Endangered
CITES: Listed under Appendix I (species threatened with extinction and prohibited from international trade).
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I, providing the highest degree of protection.
The Alpine musk deer faces significant threats primarily due to poaching. The male deer’s musk is highly valued for its use in cosmetic products, making them a prime target for illegal hunting. Habitat loss and climate change also pose additional risks to their survival.
|
Characteristic |
Antelope |
Deer |
|---|---|---|
|
Introduction |
Antelopes are even-toed ungulates within the Bovidae family, distinct from cattle, sheep, buffalo, bison, or goats. They are primarily found in Africa and Eurasia. |
Deer are ruminant mammals in the Cervidae family, including species like white-tailed deer, elk, and moose. They are widely distributed across the world, except in Antarctica. |
|
Species |
There are 91 species of antelope, including the springbok, gazelle, oryx, waterbuck, impala, and rhebok. |
62 species of deer, such as white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose, red deer, and chital. |
|
Diet |
Both are ruminants, meaning they are plant-based grazers that digest food in multiple stomach chambers. |
Similar to antelopes, deer are ruminants and consume a plant-based diet (leaves, shrubs, grasses). |
|
Lifespan |
Antelopes typically live between 10 to 25 years depending on species. |
Deer generally live for about 20 years, although lifespan varies by species. |
|
Horns |
Antelopes have permanent horns that are not branched. These horns are present throughout their lives and grow continuously. |
Deer have deciduous antlers (shed and regrown annually). Most deer species have branched antlers. |
|
Family |
Antelopes belong to the Bovidae family. |
Deer are part of the Cervidae family. |
|
Habitat |
Native to Africa and Eurasia, antelopes are found in various ecosystems, ranging from savannahs to forests. |
Deer are widely distributed around the world, excluding Antarctica, and can be found in a variety of habitats such as forests, grasslands, and even mountain regions. |
We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
If you haven’t created your account yet, please Login HERE !
We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
Offline/Online Class