OPEN-AIR CAGE MAINTENANCE AND BREEDING OF SIBERIAN MUSK DEER (<i>Moschus moschiferus</i> L., 1758) IN THE REPUBLIC OF ALTAI
Using musk included in the practice of pharmaceutical and perfumery companies in Europe and Asia; continued high demand on musk deer "waft" has led to a catastrophic reduction of the population of this animal. As traditional protection methods are not able to stop this process, the introduction of the musk deer in zooculture is the most efficient and rational way out of this situation. In the Republic of Altai the experience of open-air cage maintenance and musk deer breeding has been accumulated by various organizations. In PLC "Uch-Sumer" it is supposed to breed it in the conditions of its natural habitat at an altitude of 1300-1500 meters above the sea.