Kazzkurdish Pika

The kazzkurdish pika are a semi-sentient pika subspecies native to the Kazzkur Mountains. Also known as dwarven pikas, the pikas of the Kazzkurs have been so domesticated by the dwarves of Uhngurt-Kazzkurdun that some wildlife biologists describe the two species' relationship as a form of symbiosis. The dwarves rely on the pikas' tiny size to assist in repairs in small spaces, to run messages, to do short range scouting, and for personal companionship. 
Without dwarven caregivers the kazzkurdish pikas usually do not survive long in the wild, but the few that do often revert to a more natural way of living. Within Uhngurt-Kazzkurdun society, the pikas are fairly widespread especially amongst kazzkurdish engineers and miners.

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

Wild dwelling pikas have small litters of fewer than five young, while the domestic species tend to give birth to more young, and to breed more frequently, possibly due to a greater availability of resources in their native habitats. The young are born after a gestation period between 25 and 30 days.

Dietary Needs and Habits

These animals are herbivores, and feed on a wide variety of plant matter, including forbs, grasses, sedges, shrub twigs, moss, and lichens. Like rabbits, after eating, they initially produce soft, green feces, which they eat again to take in further nutrition, before producing the final, solid, fecal pellets. They can eat the "green" feces of other animals if needed.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Being semi-sentient, the kazzkurdish pikas tend to replicate kazzkurdish dwarven culture.

Domestication

It is not known whether their domestication has a magical foundation or, if due to their higher level of intelligence, they are able to commit to the relationship between the species.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The dwarves rely on the pikas' tiny size to assist in repairs in small spaces, to run messages, to do short range scouting, and for personal companionship.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The kazzkurdish pikas are native to the Kazzkurd Mountains. However, being companion animals, they can be found anywhere a kazzkurdish dwarf takes it.

Average Intelligence

In regards to other pikas, the kazzkurdish pikas appear to be fairly intelligent. For comparison, they are slightly less intelligent than apes.

Lifespan

~10 years in capacity, ~2 years in the wild

Average Weight

4 to 12 1/2 ounces.

Average Length

6 to 9 inches.

Average Physique

The kazzkurdish pikas appear similar to other pikas. They are small, mountain-dwelling mammals. With short limbs, very round body, an even coat of fur, and no external tail, they resemble their close relative, the rabbit, but with short, rounded ears.