The Kashmir musk deer (Moschus cupreus) is an elusive mammal found in the high-altitude Himalayas of Afghanistan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Once thought extinct, it was rediscovered in 2008. This species is a vulnerable part of the region’s wildlife.
Defining Features and Natural Environment
The Kashmir musk deer stands around 60 centimeters (24 inches) tall at the shoulder and weighs 7 to 17 kilograms (15 to 37 pounds). Its mottled brown, gray, and black coat provides camouflage in rocky, forested surroundings. Unlike true deer, it lacks antlers.
Male Kashmir musk deer have prominent, elongated upper canine teeth that protrude like tusks. These “fangs” are used during breeding season to compete for mates and for defense. The species inhabits remote alpine scrublands and coniferous forests at elevations of 3,000 to 3,500 meters (9,800 to 11,500 feet), preferring steep slopes. Its diet includes leaves, flowers, grasses, and lichens.
The Prized Musk Gland
Adult male Kashmir musk deer possess a musk gland, located in a sac on their abdomen. From this gland, the deer secretes musk, a potent substance used as a scent marker to attract females and mark territories.
Musk has been highly valued for centuries. It is used as a fixative in the perfume industry, giving fragrances a long-lasting quality. Beyond perfumery, musk has been used in traditional Asian medicine for approximately 5,000 years, appearing in hundreds of preparations in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine. It acts as a sedative and stimulant, addressing ailments related to the heart, nerves, respiration, and sexuality.
Endangered Status and Conservation
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Kashmir musk deer as Endangered. This is primarily due to illegal poaching, driven by the high demand and value of its musk pod. A single kilogram of musk can fetch tens of thousands of US dollars on the black market, making the deer a lucrative target. Traditional extraction methods often involve killing the animal, leading to significant population declines.
Habitat loss and degradation also threaten the species. Human activities like livestock grazing, urban expansion, and wood collection fragment and reduce its montane habitat. Conservation efforts protect the Kashmir musk deer, which is listed in Appendix I of CITES, providing international legal protection. These efforts include establishing protected areas and implementing anti-poaching measures.