Greenland Musk Oxen Thrive on Copper and Selenium-Rich Diets

If you think that romance is only for humans, think again. A new study has revealed that the Earth's minerals play a crucial role in the love life of musk oxen, a species of large, shaggy mammals that live in the Arctic regions of Greenland.

The researchers found that the geochemical landscape, or the amount and type of minerals in the soil, influences the reproductive success of these animals. In other words, some places are more conducive to making babies than others.

The Secret Ingredient: Copper and Selenium

The study, published in the journal Science of The Total Environment, was conducted by a team of scientists from Aarhus University in Denmark, who have been monitoring Greenland musk oxen for 25 years.

They collected data on the location, movement, diet, and reproduction of more than 1,000 individuals, using GPS collars, aerial surveys, and fecal samples.

They also analyzed the geochemical composition of the plants that the musk oxen ate, as well as the soil and water in their habitat.

The results showed that musk oxen that grazed in areas with higher levels of copper and selenium in the ground had higher reproduction rates than those that lived in areas with lower levels of these minerals.

Copper and selenium are essential trace elements that are involved in various biological processes, such as immune system function, antioxidant defense, and thyroid hormone metabolism.

The researchers hypothesized that these minerals may enhance the quality and quantity of the plants that the musk oxen consume, as well as their own health and fertility.

Floris M. van Beest, a senior researcher from the Department of Ecoscience at Aarhus University and one of the authors of the study, explained that most studies on animal nutrition focus on the quality of the plants, such as their protein, fiber, and energy content.

However, he said that this study went a step further and looked at the major components of the plants, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon, as well as the trace elements, such as copper and selenium.

He said that this approach revealed a hidden connection between the geochemical landscape and the musk oxen reproduction that was not apparent before.

The Implications for Conservation and Management

The study is not only interesting from a scientific point of view, but also from a conservation and management perspective.

Musk oxen are an important part of the Arctic ecosystem, as they provide food and fur for the local people, as well as prey for predators such as wolves and bears.

However, they are also vulnerable to the effects of climate change, human disturbance, and disease. Therefore, understanding the factors that affect their reproduction is essential for ensuring their survival and well-being.

The study suggests that preserving and enhancing the geochemical diversity of the musk oxen habitat could be a potential strategy to increase their population size and resilience.

For example, by adding copper and selenium supplements to the soil or the water, or by creating corridors or patches of mineral-rich areas, the managers could improve the quality and availability of the food resources for the musk oxen, and consequently, their reproductive success.

The study also opens up new avenues for research on other species and ecosystems, as it demonstrates the importance of considering the geochemical landscape as a key driver of animal reproduction.

Van Beest said that this concept could be applied to other herbivores, such as deer, elk, or bison, as well as to other regions, such as Africa, Asia, or Europe.

He said that by mapping the geochemical variation of the landscape and its effects on the plants and the animals, the researchers could gain new insights into the ecology and evolution of wildlife.