Yakkaries (yak-kar-ree)

Hulking Beasts of Burden

Yakkaries (singular Yakkary) are a species of large bovine that have been domesticated in Lusatia, Fespela, and parts of northern Granoia. These animals are used as beasts of burden as well as sources of fiber, milk, meat, leather, and bone. They are commonly used to pull wagons and plows in every area they are domesticated in. Yakkaries are said to have originated in the Icecrown Mountains separating the Ithani nations from the Magic Wastes.

Appearance

Yakkaries appear to be large, bulky bovines with long, shaggy hair covering their bodies. They are broad and muscular animals. These animals are artiodactyl ungulates, and are vaguely similar in appearance to the domestic cattle of southern Ithan. Their fur is a shade of brown ranging from a light wood-brown to a deep brown-black.

Behaviors

Yakkaries are notably tamer and more docile than the cattle of southern Ithan. They are even-tempered and patient creatures. Male Yakkaries go into rut during the breeding season, which occurs in mid-spring. During their rut, the males become far more aggressive and lock horns with other males in shows to impress females. Injuries sustained during these shows are uncommon and usually minor.

Yakkaries tend to live in herds made up of between nine and fifteen individuals of any age and sex. Most male Yakkaries will split off from the main herd after reaching sexual maturity and group up with other males of a similar age for roughly a year before joining another herd, which is almost always not the one they were born in. These smaller, all-male groups are known as "bands".

Yakkary females usually have a gestation period of 264 days, and typically give birth to one calf at a time. Females usually only breed once per year, but some will breed twice in a year. Calves are raised by the herd as a whole. Males tend to reach sexual maturity around six years of age, and females around seven.

Wisent Cow with Calf by marcelkessler on Pixabay

A Yakkary Cow with Calf

Scientific Name

Bisa yakkar

Lifespan

20 years in the wild
28 years in captivity

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Average Height

1.8 to 2.1 m

Average Weight

615 to 920 kg

Average Length

2.8 to 3.3 m, not counting a tail of 30 to 92 cm

Herd Size

9-15 indivuals

Wisent by Steinchen on Pixabay

A Yakkary Bull