Overview
The largest moose in Asia, with immensely large antlers. Very similar to the giant moose of Alaska, in fact, it has the same number of chromosomes. Russian scientists separated this from the other moose in 1982. The antlers spread up to 60-68 inches.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Cervidae
- Genus
- Alces
- Species
- Alces alces
Habitat
The moose lives in forested areas where there is snow cover in the winter and nearby lakes, bogs, swamps, streams and ponds. Distribution- Northeastern Siberia, from the Alazeya River basin eastward through the Kolyma and Anadyr basins, and southward through the Penzhina basin and Koryak range to Kamchatka. Moose on the Kamchatka Peninsula (which had no moose) were introduced from the Anadyr basin. Some authorities place the moose of the Indigirka River basin in this category, but they are smaller and most likely represent a blend with the Yakut moose.
Diet
This moose is a varied browser, and relies on aquatic vegetation for key nutrients, often completely submerging to access this food source.
Behavior
Typically a solitary animal when it is not in the rut. The rut occurs during the fall and it is common to see bulls fighting to show dominance. The moose can be aggressive towards humans during the breeding season, so it is wise to stay armed. Usually, the moose is a slow and quiet moving animal, but it is known to be able to run at speeds of up to 35 mph (56 kph).
Hunting
Hunting is done primarily by a combination of spot and stalk methods and calling during the right times of the year. The moose can be aggressive towards humans during the breeding season, so it is wise to stay armed.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.