Anhui musk deer

The Anhui musk deer (Moschus anhuiensis ) is a species of musk deer ( Moschidae ). It was at times regarded as a subspecies of other musk deer species and is almost exclusively confined to the southwestern Chinese province of Anhui and Hubei possibly adjacent areas. It is considered high risk.

Features

The Anhui musk deer is a fairly small species of musk deer. It reaches a body length of 70 to 76.5 cm. The shoulder height is less than 50 cm, the tail is about 2-4 cm long. The body weight varies from 7.1 to 9.7 kg. The basic color of the coat is gray-brown. It is a pattern of numerous bright, washed-out spots. It is also striking a brighter neck stripes. The ears are darker than the body. The hairs are long and reach the hull about 5.4 cm in length.

Circulation area and way of life

The distribution of the species seems to be restricted to the southwestern Chinese province of Anhui in the area of ​​the Dabie Shan, where it inhabits forested mountain regions. Perhaps it is also found in adjacent parts of Hubei. Little is known about the food habits or the way of life. Apparently the females are fertile and multiply early in the first year of life. In addition, twin births are apparently quite common. Moreover, should the social behavior and reproductive biology of other musk deer, especially the Chinese musk deer are similar. So you go about assuming that the animals are mainly nocturnal.

Endangering

The mold was originally as a subspecies of the Siberian musk deer (Moschus moschiferus ), later the Chinese musk deer (Moschus Berezovskii ) considered before she received species status. It is classified by the IUCN as endangered ( Endangered ). Like all musk deer and the Anhui musk deer is hunted because of Musk, a substance that produce the males in special glands. Especially the limited distribution area is making the way vulnerable. The total volume was estimated in the 1980s to only about 700-800 animals and should continue to decline.