Sand Dragons

A large, Spiny Reptile with a "Mane" that may or may not be a Relative to Dragons.

Basic Information

Anatomy

It has four limbs. The Front Legs have claws meant for digging while the back are simply used for locomotion and kicking loosened dirt and refilling tunnels.
It's lean body is covered in specialized scales that form spines as a defense mechanism.
On top of that, both males and Females have specialized spines on their faces. the Males have a "Mane" of spines that act as Shield, Weapon and Sexual display. Females have "Face shovels" that they use to aid in digging. In both cases, the use of the face spines are aided by a thick muscled neck.

Genetics and Reproduction

Eggs

Ecology and Habitats

Sand Dragons live in dry environments, preferring arid to simi-arid locations with loose soil for easy digging.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Given the Subteranian nature, a lot of their lives are not known. However, it is known they are Carnivorous with the ability to eat fruit, Lichen and Legums in lean times. Sand Dragons have been observed Hunting through ambushing from bellow. The Dragon digs a tunnel that brings it just barely from breaking the surface and waits to feel the vibrations of something come by. When It feels its prey is close enough, it Leaps out from bellow and attacks with a bit. A male, if it hasn't cough anything in it's mouth immediately, will thrash its head it hopes of stabbing its prey on one of the spikes of its "Mane". If both of these tactics fail, it will quickly asses the situation and gauge if it would be worth continuing the attack. If not, the Dragon will reenter the hole.
Sand Dragons dig holes for themselves to live and hunt out of. An adult Female Sand dragon can dig a hole large enough for it to complacently submerge it's body into in mere seconds. Males are not far behind However it's Mane and lack of face shovels means it both needs to make a bigger hole and lacks the aided equipment. The speed in which it is able to do this have lead some to believe that Sand Dragons may have traded a breath weapon a some point for the ability to earth shape.
It is not known how the Sand Dragons survives in the Blasted Wastes, given the spare water and food. Given the rarity of seeing one hunting on the surface, it is thought that those Waste subspecies have found some source of one or both bellow ground. It is known that the Wastes Sand Dragon Behavior has changed drastically, becoming far more social. While it seems logical that The care of offspring has become more involved, given that those that provide more for their children are more to pass on their genes in the environment. What has scientist worried is the seeming adoption of group hunting in twos and threes.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Sand Dragons Behave differently depending on their environment.
Those in the Western Desserts are very poor Company for each other and care little for giving offspring anything but the barest assistance. When a Female makes a nest, she will guard it for a time but will only remain a few days after the first egg hatches, leaving the young to fend for themselves. While two or more Sand Dragons might stalk the same area, they will rarely interact for anything but Mating. When two individuals of the same sex meet, if Male they will likely fight and if female will growl and eye each other suspiciously while keeping distance and departing .
Those in the Blasted Wastes, while not truly social, are far more cordial to each other. Parents, in particular the mother, will make efforts to place nests close to water, provide food and might stay with the young for weeks to give them as strong a start as possible, only leaving once they are ready to set out on their own. Even adults will sometimes be seen in pairs or even trios, though just what they are doing together is not not known.

Domestication

Many over the years have tried to tame Sand Dragons, to mixed sucess. True Domestication does not seem to be possible.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The first use of Sand Dragons is in the Leather and Hide industry. The Skin, while not as valuable as "True Dragon Skin" is still worth quite a bit.
Also, in the blasted Wastes, Sand Dragons (Called Boukansale) is a common game animal for its meat, given it is the largest animal in the region.

Facial characteristics

Males have a "Mane" of Horns that circle the face and act as heat radiators and shields during mateing combat and defense of their home.
Females have large "Spades" on either side of the face that aid in digging of holes for nests and escape.

Average Intelligence

Not high

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Their vision is not great, especially in full sun, to the point that when on the surfice keeping their eyes closed unless necessary. They instead function by way of smell and hearing.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Dragons

Lifespan

10-25 years

Conservation Status

The Sand dragon would likely be considered a protected species if it were not the fact that hunting it is a major industry and Source of protein in the Blasted Waist.

Average Height

2.5-3 ft at the shoulder

Average Weight

95-150 lb

Average Length

5.5-8.5 feet

Average Physique

Lean and muscular

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Most are some form of light to medium brown with spots and strips of darker colors.