Enísas
Mlúkrok: Enísa
Enísa1 is a common name for several related species of horned rodents found all over the Vorran Peninsula in western Dragonía, all of which fulfill a similar role as deer and antelopes elsewhere, and are a common prey animal for various predators in the region.
They belong to an ancient group that is only distantly related to other Dragonían rodents, the ancestors of which crossed the Vúrakesen Mountains and spread from there to Vorran Peninsula millions of years ago, where they evolved in complete isolation as the only mammals in the region. The only other rodents on the peninsula, Eretvóas, were introduced there by the reptilian Kroks millennia ago, but there's little competition between the two as their territories rarely overlap to any significant degree.
The most notable species of enísas are the common enísa (depicted here), golden enísa and bald enísa.
Enísa1 is a common name for several related species of horned rodents found all over the Vorran Peninsula in western Dragonía, all of which fulfill a similar role as deer and antelopes elsewhere, and are a common prey animal for various predators in the region.
They belong to an ancient group that is only distantly related to other Dragonían rodents, the ancestors of which crossed the Vúrakesen Mountains and spread from there to Vorran Peninsula millions of years ago, where they evolved in complete isolation as the only mammals in the region. The only other rodents on the peninsula, Eretvóas, were introduced there by the reptilian Kroks millennia ago, but there's little competition between the two as their territories rarely overlap to any significant degree.
The most notable species of enísas are the common enísa (depicted here), golden enísa and bald enísa.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Enísas are among the largest rodents in Dragonía, with the common enísa second only to the Ljúras in the woodlands beyond the Vúrakesen Mountains. Males and females of all species have horns on their head and -more rarely- nose, though the size and shape varies between them, from little more than scurs to more impressive ones such those on common enísas, which are mostly used to attract mates rather than as weapons.
Most species have a mane along the back and tail to aid keeping an eye on other members of the herd amongst bushes and tall grass.
Although usually slow-moving while grazing or browsing, enísas are capable of bursts of speed if threatened, which is their main defense against predators, and their stocky body and tough skin allows the creatures to run through the undergrowth virtually unscathed.
Most species have a mane along the back and tail to aid keeping an eye on other members of the herd amongst bushes and tall grass.
Although usually slow-moving while grazing or browsing, enísas are capable of bursts of speed if threatened, which is their main defense against predators, and their stocky body and tough skin allows the creatures to run through the undergrowth virtually unscathed.
Ecology and Habitats
Enísas are found throughout the peninsula, particularly near clearings and lake shores, while they generally avoid swamps and other rugged terrains such mountains, as such places hinder their movements when attempting to escape dangers.
In the wild, they are mainly preyed on by Þvotrans, crocodiles and snakes.
In the wild, they are mainly preyed on by Þvotrans, crocodiles and snakes.
Dietary Needs and Habits
They feed on various grasses, leaves, flowers, fruits, nuts and roots, with each species specializing in any of these food sources to avoid competition. Larger enísas in captivity are allowed to graze near villages during the day and kept in enclosures at night, while smaller ones are usually raised at home and fed scraps.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Enísas live in herds, the largest of which have up to thirty animals or so, where at least two members keep an eye out for dangers and warn the others accordingly.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
The Kroks have hunted enísas for millennia and kept them as livestock for centuries, all but completely supplanting eretvóas as a food source, as the critters are generally larger, more docile when raised in captivity and, for many Kroks, tastier than the latter.
Before the production of Tree Silk became widespread, Kroks often used enísa skins to make leather or adorn clothing, which is still done to some extent in certain territories, though nowadays they are more commonly used to produce leather.
In the easternmost territories bordering the Vúrakesen Mountains, enísa pelts are sometimes sold to Jaarels in exchange for various goods from their subterranean city-states.
Before the production of Tree Silk became widespread, Kroks often used enísa skins to make leather or adorn clothing, which is still done to some extent in certain territories, though nowadays they are more commonly used to produce leather.
In the easternmost territories bordering the Vúrakesen Mountains, enísa pelts are sometimes sold to Jaarels in exchange for various goods from their subterranean city-states.
1Original icelandic: enísur, singular: enísa.
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