Amphitheres

Kmúþic: Úlhúes Jomgrú-óp /uːlhuɛːs jɔːmkruʔouːp^h/

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Amphitheres are snake-like, flying reptiles found along the subantarctic coastal regions of the Southlands in southern Borgalor, related to the Lindworms of northern Örkraz. Fossils of these animal have been found on the latter continent, though it's unknown what caused their extinction there.
They were one of the first creatures encountered and described by explorers from Jælondis in 411 BF, who though they were Wyverns at first and thus gave them the now obsolete name sea wyverns, now used only by certain númran poets.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Like lindworms, amphitheres are endothermic and have a serpent-like body with limbs just behind the head, which in this case have evolved into wings similar to that of a wyvern, though unlike the latter are not used to walk with. Instead, they are usually folded closely to the body as they slither on land or sea, though the animals can rear up and spread out the wings as a mating display.
The body is covered in a waterproof coat of hair-like filaments.

Genetics and Reproduction

Amphitheres form small colonies during mating season, where they give live birth in simple nests and take turns protecting and feeding them on fish until they can fly.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Amphitheres are primarily piscivores, though they occasionally feed on birds that get too close, especially at twilight. They feed in a similar way as our world's skimmers, using their elongated lower jaw to skim the surface of the sea and then quickly close it as soon as it touches a fish, which is held fast with as set of forward-facing, needle-like teeth.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Revered by Trolls living along the coast, the amphithere population has declined in some region since the the coast was settled by various peoples from Jælondis and Örkraz, due to habitat loss, overfishing in some countries and the fact that some regard them as pests to be killed on sight. A notable exception to this is Hmarg, where amphitheres are considered majestic creatures, whose mating displays are depicted on the country's currency, and are protected species.
Amphitheres are popular in zoos outside the Southlands, and are allowed as exotic pets in certain countries.

Origin/Ancestry

Southlands

Conservation Status

Near-threatened

Average Length

1.6 meters

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The back and head are light brown with small, irregular darker markings, the underside is lighter and the wings are reddish-brown with lighter stripes and spots