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musk deer
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A Siberian musk deer (Moschus moschiferus) stands on a forest floor, showing its brown fur, white markings on its neck, and long curved tusks protruding from its mouth. Siberian musk deer (Moschus moschiferus) in profile, showing its long, curved upper tusks and dark brown fur with lighter markings on the neck. Musk deer (Moschus moschiferus)
Survival in the world's largest taiga forest
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Also called:
Siberian musk deer
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A Siberian musk deer (Moschus moschiferus) stands on a forest floor, showing its brown fur, white markings on its neck, and long curved tusks protruding from its mouth.
musk deer (Moschus moschiferus) Musk deer (Moschus moschiferus) live in mountainous regions from Siberia to the Himalayas.

musk deer

mammal
Also known as: Moschus moschiferus
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History
Siberian musk deer (Moschus moschiferus) in profile, showing its long, curved upper tusks and dark brown fur with lighter markings on the neck.
musk deer (Moschus moschiferus)Male musk deer have long upper canine teeth that project downward from the mouth as tusks.

musk deer, (Moschus moschiferus), small compact deer, family Moschidae (order Artiodactyla). A solitary shy animal, the musk deer lives in mountainous regions from Siberia to the Himalayas. It has large ears, a very short tail, no antlers, and, unlike all other deer, a gall bladder. The musk deer is grayish brown, with long, coarse, brittle hair, and stands 50–60 cm (20–24 inches) tall at the shoulder, slightly higher at the rump. The male has long upper canine teeth that project downward from the mouth as tusks and has a musk-producing organ, the musk pod, on its abdomen. The musk from that organ is valued for use in perfumes and soaps.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.