Timor

NIR & HUMAN NAME: Timor
The Timor is a large carnivore that can be found in the coastal biomes and along large rivers in Telvaer and the Southern Eirlands. It can also be found on the large islands of Yonin Tolv and Evans Tolv.
The Timor rarely attacks humans or nir, but it is territorial.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Timor are not sexually dimorphic.
The timor is a quadruped with a long neck, legs and tail. Its body is streamlined, allowing it to exist semi-aquatically, while still being able to run at great speeds on land.
Its underbelly and lower legs are covered with hard scales, while its white skin is made of sharkskin. It has three toes on all of its feet, with dew claws on its front legs.
The timor's head and teeth are designed for catching fish. Its hooked teeth allow nothing to escape, and the spiked appendage on its chin is called a 'bludgeoner' - an anatomical trait shared to varying degrees between many of the species under the Saurs classification. The timor uses its bludgeoner as the name suggests - to easily knock out prey that it has caught. The timor's jaw can also unhinge to a degree, to allow it to swallow larger prey.
The timor has six fanned apendages that sprout from the back of its head. These are used to circulate and cool down blood, as well as to convey emotion. These 'fins' also slowly grow throughout the Timor's life, and never stop growing until death. Elderly Timor can be seen with illustriously long fins that float over their back.

Genetics and Reproduction

Females tend to reach sexual maturity at around 8 - 10 years of age. Males tend to reach sexual maturity at 12 - 14 years of age.
Timor engage in courtship during the spring, and females will lay their eggs during the summer. The female lays 10 - 20 eggs, and will build a large nest on shoreline, usually 2 meters wide and over a meter tall, made of mud, vegetatian, and/or sand. The nest produces heat by the decomposition of the organic materials within, and the female guards her territory alone.
The eggs hatch after about two months, and temperature determines the sex outcome. A cooler incubation will produce largely females, while a hotter temperature produces mostly males.
Egg loss is quite high due to flooding and scavenging predation.

Growth Rate & Stages

Once hatched, younglings will follow their mother until about 8 months of age. Territorial behavior begins at about 2 years.

Ecology and Habitats

The timor lives in hot coastal biomes, swamps, and large rivers. Individuals will claim large stretches of water as territory.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The timor eats fish and other smaller coastal-dwelling creatures. It will stand in the water for long periods of time with its open jaws submerged beneath the surface, waiting for fish to pass through.
Its long legs also allow it to perform surprising bursts of speed, so the Timor will also hunt down coastal creatures if it can catch them.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Solitary, only comes together to breed.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The timor is hunted as a trophy species by humans and some nir. Its eggs are also sought after as a novelty.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Yonin Tolv, Evans Tolv, Southern Eirlands

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Decent sense of hearing and smell. Eyes are focused to detect motion.

Scientific Name

Saurs Timora Timor

Lifespan

Upwards of 40 years

Average Height

1.9 - 2.3m tall at the shoulder

Average Weight

Upwards of 700kg

Average Length

7 - 9m

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Albino and melanistic specimens have been reported, but not documented.