Praeovibos, also known as the giant muskox, is an extinct genus of bovid that contains a single species, Praeovibos priscus. It is closely related to the living muskox (Ovibos moschatus), and is placed as a part of the same tribe Ovibovini.[1]
Restoration of Praeovibos priscus at Musée de Préhistoire de Tautavel
Praeovibos priscus was larger than the modern muskox (Ovibos moschatus) with a shoulder height of 130–165cm and longer, more massive limbs.[2]
Evolution, distribution and habitat
The earliest fossils of the genus date to the Early Pleistocene, around 1.5 million years ago.[1]
The giant muskox was widespread during the Pleistocene, ranging from western Europe to Alaska and the Northern Yukon Territory. During the Glacial Periods Praeovibos 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.[3] The youngest fossils date to the Last Glacial Period, less than 50,000 years ago.[1]
Ecology
Analysis of specimens from the Early Pleistocene of Spain suggests that Praeovibos was primarily a grazer.[4]
↑ 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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