Antanas

Antanas¹ are some of the largest herbivores of Dragonía, and the largest creatures found within the boreal Kanix Forest along the northern coast of the continent. The forest has been their refuge since the great woodlands which once covered much of northern Dragonía disappeared at the end of the last ice age.
The Ameders hunt the animals during the winter for their thick hides, meat (a delicacy to the ameders, an acquired taste for others) and fat, though this no easy task due to the antana's size, unpredictable behaviour and powerful bite.
Antanas share a distant ancestry with the ancient Zúattans of the Múlíat Mountains, whose culture was dominant in the region up until the end of the last ice age.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Antanas vaguely resemble gorillas, although instead of walking on their knuckles, they have four claw-like hooves on each foot, and sport a long, thick fur which covers the whole body, including the face. The fur is mostly light brown, with lighter mane and face as well as irregular spots on the back.
Many find their gaze unnerving, as the eyes are large and have a dark iris, making them resemble those of a shark, and are the only thing on their face that isn't obscured by the fur.

Genetics and Reproduction

Most antanas only give birth to one calf at a time, with twins being a rarity. The calves stay close to their mothers for a few years and usually hide beneath her belly when threatened. Males are chased away from their herd as they reach maturity, while the females stay.

Dietary Needs and Habits

They mostly live on grass, ferns and leaves from bushes and low-hanging branches, and use their teeth to scrape off tree bark during winter.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Female antanas travel in small herds along with their calves, while males usually wander around by themselves or occasionally form little herds off their own. Males only visit the herds during mating season, where they fight for females by roaring, stomping and displaying their teeth, generally avoiding injuries as much as possible.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Antanas mostly rely on their hearing and eyesight to spot predators, and can see fairly well in the dark.

¹Original icelandic: antönur, singular: antana

by Lappalingur

Average Height

Around 3 meters.