Ponn

Waste and garbage are everywhere, the last ruling inhabitants of the planet that vanished over 500,000 years ago (humans) left the oceans and ecosystem in complete ruin. With radiation and greenhouse gasses taking over the clean water supplies and the atmosphere, it became harder to stay alive for lots of species that required such structures. Over time, a certain animal evolved to naturally solve this very problem and as civilisation began to develop once again, this animal was put to work with extraordinarily little effort.
The Ponn is a large mammal, some males reaching up to 10ft long and weighing as much as 900kg. They have paws that resemble anthropoid hands and claws that are useful for digging into trash and picking up objects. They are covered in a dense and wild fur, some with patches of orange threaded throughout to camouflage in the rich jungles of tropical Nithira. Despite the sheer size of these creatures, they are quite gentle in nature, some even being bred to a smaller size and kept as pets.
Many believe this animal was the result of genetic mutation long ago, but its origins and ancestry can be traced back to the Procyonidae family. They have unusually long lifespans, some living up to 300 years (the longest living creature known to exist) They developed a robust digestive system that is capable of extracting harmful toxins and dangerous microbes, using these substances as their energy source. Therefore, Ponns are used in the waste disposal sectors of the most populated areas, happily devouring tonnes of waste every week. Scientists discovered that Ponn excrement is highly nutritious to many other life forms, and so a mutually beneficial relationship was formed by using their waste as fuel and fertilizer needed for farming and other agricultural developments.

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

Most Ponn are classified as asexual, as they show no interest in reproduction with other Ponn but do posses the ability to reproduce without a mate. As a mammal, this is highly irregular and not much is known about the specifics of how this is possible.

Growth Rate & Stages

A baby Ponn reaches maturity after around 50 years, as they have can live up to 300 years, it takes them much longer to mature. By the time a Ponn is around 90 years, it has reached full size and is able to mate (if it chooses to).

Ecology and Habitats

The optimal environment for a Ponn is a humid tropical jungle. They like to be surrounded by decomposing vegetation and love the rainy season as this is when fungus and bacteria grow the most, which is what they survive off of.  As Ponn are used for waste disposal, researchers have had to create artificial humid environments in the disposal sectors for them. Large indoor 'trash jungles' are created for them to live in and eat freely, and the Ponn seem to thrive and enjoy there surroundings.

Scientific Name

Mammal

Lifespan

250-300 years

Average Height

9-10ft

Average Weight

900kg

Average Length

3-4m