Veldtstruck

Along the border of The Unclaimed Lands are small reptilian creatures with what seems like bristly fur along set contours. Greyish in colour and prone to skulking in shadows, The Veldtstuck is said to be a byproduct of the Veldtouch. After centuries of evolution, there are said to be variations of the Veldstruck likely not documented in anything other than an odd oral account.
Some theories about the proverbial chicken that gave rise to the Veldtstruck range from a Hebean Wyvern to the plains capybara that was mutated to the point of regression. What is generally agreed on is the fact that the Veldtstruck did not exist until the incident in Hebare had occurred and that they have been present along the taint upon The Unclaimed Lands since. Though the area is not as visible choked with the Veldt haze as it once was, The Unclaimed Lands has yet to regain most of the indigenous fauna and flora that had made the land lush savanna and marshland. The Veldtstuck have managed to survive in a largely squalid land. Most shrubbery lacks constant fruit, flowers or flower to feed the herbivores that they exist on but they are still noted to exist in strong numbers.
It is thought that the Veldtstruck have the ability to pass through the Veldt in short instance to move with speeds that defy the weight and construction of their body. Instances of 'teleportation' have been noted by a few researchers in past years.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Built similar to a bearded dragon, the veldtstruck have four legs and their tail is usually equal or 3/4 the length of the body. Along the contour of its legs, either sides of the spine, and along the 'beard' or gular are bristly fur. The Veldtstruck have exceptionally large lung capacity capable of near perfect gas exchange and able to hold its breath for nearly seventeen hours. For their mating rituals their lungs also expands out with a glow of electric purple to attract mates in the gloom.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Veldtstruck have lower than average visual acuity compared to most lizards but slightly better than a vole. A few more recent studies suggest that it is because their vision is more attuned to the Veldt. Their ability to locate based on taste and tremor, however, are incredibly sharp.

Scientific Name

Pogona Veldtpathus

Conservation Status

While there are no active conservation laws for these creatures, the Veldtstruck are generally treated as a protected species with many research studies being done to learn more about them in recent years centred around observational studies. There are some that believe that in understanding how they survive one can better understand the Veldt.

Geographic Distribution

• Unclaimed Lands