- The Musk-Ox (Ovibos moschatus)
Another large mammal, perhaps less well known, is the Musk-Ox (Ovibos moschatus), which resembles in size the smaller varieties of Oxen, but in structure and habits is closely allied to the Sheep. As is implied by the specific name, it exhales a musky odour; this does not, however, appear to be due to the secretion of a special gland, as is the case in other animals with a similar smell. The skin is covered with long brown thickly-matted hair, interspersed with white. It is confined to the most northerly parts of North America and the American Arctic islands, and to North Greenland. Though not now living in the Old World, it seems formerly to have been abundant in Siberia, and, as we shall learn later on, it was one of the species which took part in the great Siberian invasion of Europe. Its remains have been found not only in Germany and France, but also in the south of England. - The Saiga-Antelope (Saiga tartarica)
Some of these, such as the Saiga-Antelope (Saiga tartarica), still inhabit portions of Eastern Europe, whilst others have retreated to their native land. But it might be asked, how is it known that these species did not originate in Europe, and thence migrate to Siberia? Because if they had originated on our continent, they would have spread there. They would have invaded Northern and Southern Europe, and they would probably have left some remains in Spain, Italy, or Greece. - The Great Auk
It is probable that the famous Great Auk (Alca impennis) also was a typical Arctic species. Its range extended to both sides of the Atlantic. In Newfoundland and on the coast of Iceland it is known to have been met with in considerable numbers within historic times; and no doubt, like all Arctic species, it extended farther southwards at a more remote period. - Central Asiatic Sandgrouse (Syrrhaptes paradoxus)
his migration must have been an unusually large one. It has been suggested that the Glacial period had some connection with it, and there can be little doubt, as we shall see later on, that a change of climate probably brought about this great Siberian invasion of Europe. But other causes might tend in the same direction, such as want of sufficient food after a few years of great increase of any particular species. It is not known to what we owe the periodic visits of the Central Asiatic Sandgrouse (Syrrhaptes paradoxus), but certain it is that immense flocks of these birds invade Europe from time to time at the present day, just as those mammals may have done in past ages. - Mysis relicta, a small shrimp-like Crustacean
Perhaps the best known form with a similar range is the Schizopod crustacean Mysis relicta, which is clearly a descendant of the Arctic marine Mysis oculata, of which it was formerly considered a mere variety. - Bear with two cubs
Bear with two cubs - Brown Lemming
Brown Lemming - Caribou
Caribou - Haymouse (singing vole)
Haymouse (singing vole) - Meadow vole
Meadow vole - Bear with cubs
Bear with cubs - Lion by Alfred Stevens
- Japanese Birds
- Lion from a Theban bas-relief
- Persian Lion from the frieze at Susa (Perrot & chipiez)
- Lion from Assyrian Bas-relief
Lion from Assyrian Bas-relief