<P> The preorbital gland secretion of muskoxen has a "light, sweetish, ethereal" odor . Analysis of preorbital gland secretion extract showed the presence of cholesterol (which is nonvolatile), benzaldehyde, a series of straight - chain saturated gamma - lactones ranging from C H O to C H O (with C H O being most abundant), and probably the monounsaturated gamma lactone C H O . The saturated gamma - lactone series has an odor similar to that of the secretion . </P> <P> The odor of dominant rutting males is "strong" and "rank". It derives from the preputial gland and is distributed over the fur of the abdomen via urine . Analysis of extract of washes of the prepuce revealed the presence of benzoic acid and p - cresol, along with a series of straight - chain saturated hydrocarbons from C H to C H (with C H being most abundant). </P> <P> Historically, this species declined because of overhunting, but population recovery has taken place following enforcement of hunting regulations . Management in the late 1900s was mostly conservative hunting quotas to foster recovery and recolonization from the historic declines . The current world population of muskoxen is estimated at between 80,000 and 125,000, with an estimated 47,000 living on Banks Island . </P> <P> In Greenland there are no major threats, although populations are often small in size and scattered, which makes them vulnerable to local fluctuations in climate . Most populations are within national parks, where they are protected from hunting . Muskoxen occur in four of Greenland's protected areas, with indigenous populations in Northeast Greenland National Park, and three introduced populations in Arnangarnup Qoorua Nature Reserve, and Kangerlussuaq and Maniitsoq Caribou Reserves . Within these areas, muskoxen receive full protection . </P>

How many musk ox are there in the world