Muskoxen were originally only found in North and Northeast Greenland. In 1962‑63, a total of 27 muskoxen were moved from Northeast Greenland and released in the Angujaartorfiup Nunaa area south of Kangerlussuaq in West Greenland. This area is, among other things, characterised by only a limited amount of precipitation. In winter, it offers the muskoxen easier access to food, which has resulted in lower mortality and higher reproduction compared to Northeast Greenland. The population therefore grew rapidly, and today the animals can also be found north of the Kangerlussuaq fjord. The most recent count (in 2018) of muskoxen in the areas north and south of Kangerlussuaq estimated that the population consists of approx. 22,000 animals.
Since the release of muskoxen at Kangerlussuaq, muskoxen have been moved from here to seven other locations in West Greenland from 1986 to 2014. The main purpose of the releases has been to boost local hunting opportunities. Signs of overgrazing can be seen in some release areas, however, the effect of releases on vegetation composition in the new areas has yet to be sufficiently investigated.
Further reading
- Biodiversity and nature management
- Systematic environmental monitoring
- The climate in Greenland
- The ice-free landscapes
Read more about Nature and landscape in Greenland
