Hathid

inspired by oxen and armadillos

Basic Information

Anatomy

This animal has four muscular, stubby legs with large paws that give them good traction. Its back has a thick shell for protection from predators. The shell also covers the top of its head like a helmet. It has a large, wide head with four eyes, two in front and the other two on the sides. The ears are small but flared wide, they are ad the edge of the shell on its head and poke upwards. It has large nostrils and a large mouth with many molars. The body is stout and muscular. The skin on its belly is thick and leathery.

Genetics and Reproduction

The hathid are male, female, or zirch.  The female carries eggs that once fertilized by the male, develop a hard shell in two to four weeks. The female lays these eggs in a shallow hole the male digs for her. She will usually lay 4-8 eggs but can lay up to 12. The male will cover the eggs with the dirt. The couple take turns protecting the eggs for the next 2 months.

Growth Rate & Stages

They are able to stand and walk a few hours after birth. They are semi-reliant on their parents/the herd for the first few months. During this time, their shell develops and hardens. They are independent by the fall, in time to migrate if necessary. At this time they reach their full size, and their shell finishes growing and hardening. They reach sexual maturity at 3 years old. They are no longer able to reproduce after about 7 or 8 years old. In the wild they typically live to 10 years old. In captivity they sometimes live until 12.

Ecology and Habitats

The hathid thrive in temperate environments. They prefer plains, but they also move through some spacious forested areas that are near plains.

Dietary Needs and Habits

They are entirely herbivorous, and eat primarily greens. They also eat some fruits that they are able to reach and get into with their mouths.

Biological Cycle

They migrate to stay in their favored temperatures and have access to food. They are not capable of hibernating, so if they are in an area with a winter, they leave during the fall. Mating season is in the beginning of the year. Depending on where they are located, this may be spring, or a wet season.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Herds typically have a dominant male and a dominant female. There is a hierarchy formed by fighting and also who has the most young.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

They are used as work animals, to pull carts/wagons, ploughs, and other heavy things.  They are also sometimes eaten.  Their shells and skin are used to make armor.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

They have excellent vision, and it is their primary means of perception. They also have excellent senses of smell, and use it to differentiate between edible and inedible plants. Their hearing is mediocre, and only in a rather small radius.  They have good proprioception, and are also good at feeling where nearby creatures are by the vibrations through the ground.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Several species of small birds will travel with herds to eat bugs that are attracted to the poo or that are parasitic. The birds also give additional warning of predators approaching.

Lifespan

10 years

Average Height

6-10 feet

Average Weight

1800-3000 pounds

Average Length

4-6 feet

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Their shells and leathery skin can be grey, brown, or red, or a mixture of the colors. There's a wide range of shades. It is intended to somewhat camouflaged them by making them appear rock-like.

Geographic Distribution

• Arshilkrin
• Irqulnirn