The Common Tree
Cow
Original source: :http://www.mcs.brandonu.ca/~ennsnr/Cows/treecow.html
Background Information
- Phylum:
Vertebrata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order:
Artiodactyla
- Family:
Bovidæ
- Genus and species: Bovinus
Arbitrary
- Gestation: 250 to 270 days
(257 average)
- Number of young: 1
(occasionally 2)
- Adult weight: up to 100
kg
The common tree cow in North America is a descendent of a large
bovine called the 'auroch' (a German name meaning 'primitive ox')
which was common in Europe and the Middle East during the
pre-Christian era. The common tree cow was introduced to North
America in the early 13th century by the British explorer Harold
Tate.
While there are hundreds of different
breeds of cattle throughout the world, none are as rare as the common
tree cow. Shy creatures, tree cows are rarely seen, however one can
often hear their mating
calls during the summer
evenings.
Migration and Hibernation
The tree cow enjoys spending the summer
and early fall in the hills of the hills of the southern prairies in
Canada. Come October, the tree cow begins its meandering migration
through western Canada to the mountains of British Columbia. The tree
cow hibernates in the pine trees of the Rocky Mountains, which
provide excellent protection from the elements.Food and FeedingThe diet of the common tree cow
consists mainly of leaves and small insects found in the canopy of
the forests. Studies have shown that tree cows enjoy mosquitoes, and
can be effective in reducing mosquito populations. Unfortunately, due
to their rarity, tree cows cannot be used as successful mosquito
control measures.
What Does the Tree Cow Look Like?
Did You Know?
- Tree cows sleep by hanging from
branches with their tails.
- An important part of rearing the
young is branch selection prior to sleeping, which often involves
complex rituals and experiments.
- During mating season, the spots on
the tree cow's back can change from a light green to a dark green,
edging close to black.
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