Project Muskox 2030

Project Musk Ox 2030 is a conservation network established in 2020 with the goal of exploring the future of the Swedish musk ox population and its impact on biodiversity within the mountain ecosystem. This is carried out through surveys and research projects.

 

We at the Musk Ox Centre are proud to be part of the project, which is run in collaboration with Vildriket, Lycksele Zoo, and Skåne Zoo. The project also collaborates with CNRS/University of Toulouse and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, with support from the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation in Western Härjedalen, Öland Zoo, Tierpark Bern, and the Swedish Zoo Association.

 

Fieldwork for Project Musk Ox 2030 began in 2024. Three expeditions were conducted during the winter, and six during the summer, each lasting 12 days. After the summer, we were able to confirm that the wild Swedish musk ox population consisted of at least 8 individuals. Based on reports from the public during the winter and spring of 2025, we can now confirm that the population has increased to at least 10 individuals, possibly 11.

 

For more detailed information about the wild herd, as well as results from survey expeditions and research from the previous year, we recommend checking out the 2024 Annual Report linked below! Årsrapport 2024 (Swedish)

 

To receive current updates about Project Musk Ox 2030, you can follow the project on Facebook under the name “Projekt Myskoxe 2030 (Swedish)”.

If You Encounter a Wild Musk Ox

 

What should you do if you encounter a wild musk ox while hiking here in western Härjedalen?
It’s quite simple: slowly back away and take another route. By law, you are not allowed to intentionally remain within 100 meters of a wild musk ox.

 

If you do encounter a wild musk ox, we would be very grateful to receive that information. Updates from the public make our work within Project Musk Ox 2030 much easier! Musk oxen can cover large areas in a short time, which makes it difficult for us to locate them and collect data. With up-to-date observation reports from you, our work becomes significantly more efficient, and we can make faster progress.

 

So, if you see a wild musk ox, please follow the steps below:

 

  1. Make sure you are safe. If you’ve accidentally gotten too close, calmly and carefully back away until you are at a safe distance.
  2. Photograph the musk ox. If possible, try to capture both horns in the photo, as this is the best way for us to identify the animal.
  3. Note the coordinates or mark the location on a map where the animal was seen.
  4. Fill out the report form and send it to us!

The Film About Project Musk Ox 2030

 

Filmmaker Jonas Stenström has released a short documentary about the Swedish musk oxen and Project Musk Ox 2030. The film was recorded during the fieldwork in 2024.