Alpine Musk Deer

The alpine musk deer is a compact, antlerless deer standing approximately 40–60cm at the shoulder. Males possess long upper canine teeth that project below the mouth and an externally visible musk gland on the abdomen. The canines become especially prominent during the mating season and are used when males spar. Compared with other musk deer, the species is relatively large-bodied. Its range extends from the eastern Himalayas into Tibet and the mountain regions of western China. (Wikipedia, general species account)

A high-elevation browser, the alpine musk deer inhabits coniferous and deciduous forests, oak scrub and broken mountain cover at roughly 3,000–5,000m. In southwestern China it favors oak shrubs, oak forest and relatively open canopy. Its plant diet includes forbs, grasses, mosses, lichens, shoots, leaves and twigs. The deer is primarily solitary; individuals use scent and musk in territorial communication, while males compete directly during the late-autumn mating period. Births occur during June and July. (Wikipedia, general species account)