The shrub-ox (Euceratherium collinum) is an extinct species of ovibovine caprine native to North America and China during the Pleistocene epoch. It was the only species in the genus Euceratherium.

Taxonomy

Euceratherium was formally described in 1904. The species is considered to be closely related to the living muskox, as well as extinct genera like Bootherium.

Distribution

The earliest fossils of the genus are known from the Early Pleistocene of China, from which it is then suggested to have migrated into North America. Late Pleistocene shrub-ox remains are known from fossil finds spanning from what is now northern California to central Mexico. In the east of their range, they were distributed at least into Illinois.

Description

Euceratherium has been estimated to weight approximately 450 kg.

Ecology

On the basis of preserved dung pellets, it has been established that they were browsers with a diet of trees and shrubs. They seem to have preferred hilly landscapes.