Shrieking Grounder
The shrieking grounder is one of the few species native to Kataan who survived the cataclysmic upheavals that occured due to the addition of the four artificial moons to the existing two natural moons. An amphibious creature, the grounder is found near sluice-ways burrowing into the muddy soil creating underground networks of tunnels where it lives in colonies of five to ten individuals. They spend most of their time in darkness so they compensate for their poor eyesight by sensing vibrations in the ground.
The grounder's natural diet is made up of roots and tubers, but given the chance, they will happily devour fruits and leafy greens from Kataan's underground gardens.
Adult grounders grow to an average of only 8-10 inches in length, but don't let their small size fool you. When they feel threatened they become quite vicious attacking as a group while emitting ear-piercing shrieks. Their sharp claws and powerful teeth can really do some damage.
Grounders are prolific breeders so when their natural predators were wiped out in the cataclysm, their population exploded alarmingly. This created a major problem for the original colonists of Kataan who also lived underground to shelter from the near continuous monsoons. Large groups of vicious shrieking grounders terrorized the colonists breaking into their dwellings and underground gardens to devour everything in sight until new building techniques were developed to enclose the underground structures in a protective shell that the grounders couldn't penetrate.
Today the grounder population is strictly controlled through government sanctioned hunting programs. Grounders are now the main source of meat protein on Kataan, often served sauteed with root vegetables and aromatic spices. I have never tried the dish myself, but I am told that it tastes similar to chicken.
Shrieking Grounder by Alex the Creatrix
Lifespan
3-5 solar cycles
Average Weight
just under 1 lb.
Average Length
8-10 inches
Geographic Distribution
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