Gealla (Geh-all-ah)

Geallas are small rodents that take advantage of the unique conditions on The breathing ridge, as they tend to live near the famous "breathing holes" the mountains were named after. Other than their extremely dense and soft fur, the gealla's ears are their most striking feature. Upon reaching a mature age the inside of their ears will turn a bright blue and sport markings that makes them resemble eyes. These "fake eyes" deter predators and are the geallas only defence-mechanism. It is believed that the blue colouration of the ears and the dark fur is supposed to help the gealla resemble the icy glare of a Gigil, the most feared predator living on the mountain ridge.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Geallas are small, black rodents with very thick, soft fur. Their tail is somewhat shorter than the body, but just as fluffy. They have large, black eyes and oversized ears bigger than their head. The inside of the ears have unique blue markings, resembling predatory eyes.

Genetics and Reproduction

Geallas reproduce very quickly and frequently, and can have up to 16 kits per litter. Although most kits do not survive until adulthood.

Growth Rate & Stages

Gealla kits are born without the blue ear markings, but gain them once they reach maturity at around 2 months old.

Ecology and Habitats

Geallas have adapted to survive near the "breathing holes" on the The breathing ridge thanks to the warm air flowing through them. The air smelts the snow around them and allow some plants to grow in all seasons, which the geallas feed on. However, it is not uncommon for geallas to sometimes fall into the holes when going to close to them, but they reproduce quickly enough for this to not affect their numbers too much.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Geallas are herbivores and feed exclusively on the unique plants growing around the holes on The breathing ridge.

Behaviour

Geallas are generally docile yet skittish creatures. When faced with danger they will flash their large ears to try and confuse their attacker, if this fails they will run.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

It may come as no surprise that the gealla's best sense is it's hearing. They communicate only in frequencies so high that no other known creature can hear them.

Name Origin & Meaning

The name "gealla" comes from the varan words "gelli"=same/similar, and "ala"=eye.

Lifespan

5 - 6 years

Average Weight

500 - 800 g.

Average Length

20 - 40 cm.

Geographic Distribution

• The breathing ridge

Terminology

• A male gealla is called a buck.
• A female gealla is called a doe.
• A juvenile gealla is called a kit.
• A group of gealla is called a warren or colony.
• The plural of gealla is geallas.