The muskox (Ovibos moschatus) is a large mammal that has adapted to survive in the harsh Arctic tundra. Their key adaptation is their luxuriously soft undercoat known as qiviut which allows them to withstand frigid Arctic temperatures.
Qiviut refers to the fine underwool of the muskox. It comes from the Inuit word “qiviaq” meaning “underwool.” This specialized fleece is one of the warmest wools on Earth.
The Muskox’s Adaptation to the Arctic
The muskox has several adaptations that allow it to thrive in the challenging Arctic climate.
The Guard Hairs
The outer layer of the muskox’s coat consists of long, coarse guard hairs that shed rain, snow, and dirt. These guard hairs cover a dense inner coat of fine qiviut underwool.
The Qiviut
Qiviut fibers are approximately 8 inches in length and provide superb insulation. Pound for pound, qiviut provides eight times the warmth of sheep’s wool. The small diameter of qiviut fibers allows them to effectively trap body heat.
Unlike regular wool, qiviut fibers lack the outer scales that cause wool to shrink and felt. This makes qiviut lightweight yet warm, strong yet soft.
The Muskox’s Shedding Season
Muskoxen start growing their qiviut in May and June as the Arctic temperatures rise. By September, they develop a thick undercoat averaging 18 microns in fiber diameter.
During the spring months, the muskox sheds its winter coat. Qiviut is combed from the animal during the annual shedding. No muskoxen are harmed in the process since only naturally shed wool is collected.
Collecting the Qiviut
Qiviut is obtained by gently combing it from the muskox during shedding season. Each muskox produces around 5 ounces per year. The scarcity of this special underwool makes qiviut eight times more expensive than cashmere.
The Properties of Qiviut Wool
The properties of qiviut make it a dream yarn for knitters and weavers. It is exceedingly soft, lightweight, and warm. The fibers hold very little moisture and do not shrink.
Garments made of 100% qiviut are ultralight yet provide incredible warmth. Qiviut scarves can be so fine that they can be pulled through a wedding ring. This exclusive wool allows muskoxen to live comfortably in frigid Arctic temperatures.
Conclusion
The muskox’s qiviut undercoat is an incredible example of an animal’s adaptation to extreme environments. Qiviut provides superb insulation that allows the muskox to survive freezing Arctic temperatures. This specialized fleece demonstrates the remarkable ways animals can evolve adaptations to thrive in harsh climates. Learn here more about mammal animal facts and information.
FAQs:
What is a muskox?
A muskox is a large, stocky mammal adapted to living in the Arctic tundra. They are most notable for their thick, shaggy coats that protect them from the frigid cold.
What is qiviut?
Qiviut is the soft, fine underwool of the muskox. It lies underneath the outer layer of guard hairs. Qiviut is incredibly warm and lightweight.
Why is qiviut so special?
Qiviut is one of the warmest wools in the world. It provides up to 8x the warmth of sheep’s wool, ounce for ounce. The fibers lack scales so qiviut does not shrink or felt. It is also exceptionally soft.
How do muskoxen survive the Arctic cold?
Thick guard hairs and qiviut underwool insulate muskoxen from the cold. Their small external ears and short legs also minimize heat loss. Muskoxen huddle in herds to stay warm in harsh conditions.
When do muskoxen shed their qiviut?
Muskoxen shed their winter coat from March through August. Qiviut is combed from the animals during this annual shedding. No muskoxen are harmed in the collection.
How is qiviut collected?
Qiviut is gathered by gently combing it from the muskoxen during shedding season. Each muskox produces around 5 ounces per year.
Why is qiviut so expensive?
Qiviut is one of the rarest natural fibers in the world. The short supply and intensive combing process makes qiviut fibers very costly.
What is qiviut yarn used for?
Qiviut yarn is ideal for making lightweight yet extremely warm garments like hats, scarves, gloves, sweaters, and blankets.
How warm are qiviut garments?
Garments made from 100% qiviut yarn provide outstanding warmth for their light weight. Qiviut scarves can be so fine they can be pulled through a wedding ring.
Is qiviut wool ethical?
Yes, qiviut is an ethical wool. No muskoxen are sheared or harmed in the gathering process. Only naturally shed fibers are collected.
