What is the only living species in the genus Ovibos?

The musk ox is the only living species in the genus Ovibos.

Its scientific name is Ovibos moschatus. The genus is distinctive because musk oxen are the sole surviving members of their genus, while several related prehistoric musk-ox-like animals are known from the fossil record. Despite the name, a musk ox is more closely related to goats and sheep than to true cattle.

Musk oxen are built for severe Arctic winters. A dense outer coat called guard hair hangs over a shorter insulating layer known as qiviut, one of the warmest natural fibres. Their compact bodies and short limbs also reduce heat loss.

When threatened, the herd may form a defensive circle with adults facing outward and calves protected inside. Musk oxen are native to Arctic regions of North America and Greenland and have also been introduced to parts of Scandinavia.