Burbosa (Boor-bo-sah)

Burbosa are large herbivores with thick coats that changes color and structure with the seasons. These creatures are often considered a keystone species as their way of life affects the ecosystem they live in.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Burbosa are very large ungulates. They have four short, stocky legs with three nail-clad toes on each. Their tail is rather long and thick. They have muscular necks holding up a large head with a long snout. They have two pointed ears, small eyes, large nostrils and two horns on their face, one on the snout and one on the forehead. The horn on the snout, the primary horn, is much longer than the horn on the forehead, the secondary horn. The two horns face eachother, and the side facing eachother bears a row of bumbs down the lenght of the horn.
Burbosas have a thick fur coat covering that changes appearence with the seasons, and while the fur changes color, the skin underneath stays a greyish-brown, with white markings around the eyes and sides of the face.

Genetics and Reproduction

Burbosa have their mating season near the end of summer, and give birth the next year around spring.

Growth Rate & Stages

Calves are born without horns, but they grow with them as they age. Burbosa are old enough to live on their own around 2 years of age.

Ecology and Habitats

Burbosa thrive in colder climates, but can be very adaptable and will travel to warmer climates if food is scarce.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Burbosa are herbivores and will eat grasses and leaves. In winter they wil use their horns to uproot trees to reach the nutritious roots.

Biological Cycle

In winter, the fur coat of a burbosa will turn white and cover most of the body. As the weather becomes warmer the fur will shed along the legs and underside and turn brown. During summer it is very common that algea will bloom in the burbosas fur, turning it green.

Behaviour

Burbosa are quite agressive creatures and will charge at anything they deem a threat.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Burbosa are rather social and will travel in herds up to 30 - 50 individuals. They do not have a complex social structure, nor a leader, rather they stay together for safety in numbers. Although bulls will fight eachother for mates and dominance.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

A burbosa will host algae in its fur during summer months. This gives the burbosa better camouflage.

Name Origin & Meaning

The name "burbosa" comes from the varan words "buru"=moss, and "bosa"=to graze/to browse.

Lifespan

30 - 40 years

Average Height

1.5 - 2 meters (at the shoulder)

Average Weight

1 - 3 tons

Average Length

3 - 4 meters (including tail)

Geographic Distribution

• The breathing ridge
• Ugura forest

Terminology

• A male burbosa is called a bull.
• A female burbosa is called a cow.
• A juvenile burbosa is called a calf.
• A group of burbosa is called a herd.
• The plural of burbosa is burbosa.