Ferox (fair-ox)
The ferox is a social predator. It may be difficult to classify this animal at first glance, as it shares traits with both mammals and reptiles. It is intelligent, warm-blooded, has very mammal-like teeth, and possesses a mane of fur along with two large external ears. On the other hand, it's skin is covered in smooth scales, it lays eggs, and it completely lacks mammary glands. The ferox's inability to produce milk is what has landed it in the reptile category as for now.
Feroxes are known for their intelligence and their speed, being able to run up to 80 km/h, this combination of traits makes them one of the most successful predators in the land. When hunting, the ferox will use a comlex strategy of cooperation and communication with its packmembers to surround their prey before striking.
A pack of feroxes usually consists of 10-20 members and can have either one leader or a mated pair of leaders.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The ferox is a quadruped built for speed. It has a dog-like body with four long legs, a long lizard-like tail, a somewhat medium-long neck and a head with a long snout and two very large rabbit-like ears. Its feet are almost bird-like with three long toes on both hindlegs and forelegs, with a thumb on each forepaw. Each toe possesses a long, curved claw and a row of scutes on the overside going down the length of the toe.
Most of the body is covered in smooth scales. The ferox has a mane of fur along its spine, starting at the top of the head and ending at the base of the tail. The ears of the ferox are covered with a similar fur.
The ferox has two large eyes, which can vary in color between individuals, two large nostrils, and a mouth with canine-like teeth and a pointed tongue.
Biological Traits
There is very little difference in appearence between sexes and it's almost impossible to tell them apart based on appearence.
Feroxes are warm-blooded, but their lack of a full fur covering makes them vulnerable to cold temperatures.
Genetics and Reproduction
Feroxes begin mating around the age of 4. They are mostly monogamous and mate for life, but some have been observed with multiple mates. A female can lay 2-4 eggs per litter, and may have 2-3 litters in their lifetime.
Feroxes have one mating season per year, usually in the summer or spring, this is the only time they will occupy an area, or a territory of sorts. They build their nests in forests, either in a den, under a bush or against a tree where the eggs are sheltered from view. Each packmember helps to take care of both eggs and cubs, although most of the brooding tends to be done by the parents.
Despite having many mammal-like traits, the ferox completely lacks mammary glands and does not produce milk. Feroxes have rather sharp teeth upon hatching and will begin eating raw meat from the moment they are born.
A ferox egg.
Growth Rate & Stages
The ferox matures relatively slowly, reaching maturity at the age of 4.
A ferox hatchling learns to walk after a few weeks, but doesn’t start hunting until the age of 2.
Ecology and Habitats
Feroxes prefer fields, scrublands and other open landscapes where they can utilize their running abilities and not be hindered by obstacles.
Feroxes do not have territories as they are nomadic and follow their prey instead of living in one place. The only exception to this is during mating season where they will occupy a small area for a few months.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Feroxes are strict carnivores and hunt in packs. They rarley scavange, but will do so in times of need. Feroxes prefer eating mammals, birds and other terrestial vertebrates, they do not take well to fish and other seafood and tend to avoid eating them even when presented with the opportunity to do so. Apart from just meat, feroxes like to gnaw on bones to reach the bone marrow inside. Feroxes that hunt in packs have been known to dismember their prey before killing it.
Biological Cycle
Feroxes tend to seek warmer climates during the colder months, and may as such migrate south during the winter.
Additional Information
Social Structure
A pack of feroxes tends to have a single leader, who is usualy an older packmember. The leader's role is to locate prey and guide the pack to the next hunting gounds. An experienced leader is well traveled and knows the geography of the land by memory.
Feroxes can howl over long distances to communicate with their pack, and even find locations of other ferox-packs to avoid competition and conflict.
Despite having a poor sense of smell, feroxes can recognize each other by their color-markings and their vocalizations.
Average Intelligence
Feroxes are rather intelligent creatures. Being social predators, they have a complex understanding of social interaction and tend to settle disputes peacefully to avoid fighting within the pack. Their hunting strategies requires precise teamwork and communication.
When hunting, feroxes will surround their prey by hiding in vegetation before striking. They communicate how their positions should be organized using ear movements rather than vocal communication as to not reveal their positions to the prey. This nonverbal language is unique to feroxes, and further demonstrates how integral the ears of a ferox are to their way of life.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Feroxes have exceptional hearing and good sight, but a poor sense of smell. The nostrils of a ferox are designed more for the purpose of taking in air while running rather than being used as a sensory organ. The ferox has great night vision as well as being able to see a wide color-spectrum.
Feroxes can produce a wide variety of sounds, but their most notable one is a very high-pitched howl, which they use to communicate over long distances. Their large ears are perfect for picking up these high-frequency howls.
Name Origin & Meaning
The name "ferox" comes from the varan words "fero"=fast, and "umox"=predator.
Lifespan
20-30 years
Average Height
0.7 - 1.3 meters at the shoulder.
Average Weight
50 - 90 kg.
Average Length
3.5 - 4.5 meters (including tail).
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Feroxes come in a wide variety of colors and markings. The most common colors are red, cream, white, gray, black and blue.
Common markings include a light underbelly, dark stockings and markings around the eyes, snout and tail. Stripes and spots are possible but rare.
The mane is one solid color and is usually darker than the rest of the body, but can sometimes be very light-colored as well.
Geographic Distribution
Terminology
- A male ferox is called a male.
- A female ferox is called a female.
- A juvenile ferox is called a cub or pup.
- A group of feroxes is called a pack.
- The plural of ferox is feroxes.
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