Grassland Tirin (tee-reen)
These large rodents are a common sight. They prefer warm to temperate climates where they form large herds and graze wherever there is grass. They are commonly targeted by predators, but make up for it by reproducing quickly.
Tirins often fall prey to predators such as Feroxes and Hyabons.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Tirins are quadrupeds. The body is covered in coarse fur that is light brown with an even lighter underbelly and muzzle. They have two large ears, two large eyes, and a medium-long snout with four ever-growing incisors. Grassland Tirins are easly identifiable by their fluffy and lightly colored tail, chest and rear.
Adult tirins have three horns adorning their heads, two on the forehead and one on the nose. Bucks have longer horns than does.
Tirin kits tend to have dark spots for camoflage.
The feet are mostly hairless with dark skin. Their three-toed feet are slightly webbed.
Genetics and Reproduction
Tirins reproduce relativley fast and can have up to 5-6 kits per litter each year. Bucks fight for dominance using their horns, and the strongest bucks can have multiple mates.
Growth Rate & Stages
Tirins reach maturity at around 6 months, after which they tend to stay in the herd they where born in.
Ecology and Habitats
The grassland tirin, as its name suggests, is a subspecies of tirin that live in grasslands, savannahs and forests. They prefer warmer climates but can survive quite well in colder and temperate environments as well. Grassland tirins are highly adaptable and tend to travel all across the land for good grazing spots.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Tirins are herbivorous grazers. Their diet consists mostly of different grasses, but also clovers, grains, seeds and flowers.
Biological Cycle
Grassland tirins tend to wander more in the colder seasons as they search for food. In warmer seasons the grassland tirin usually stays in the same area for longer.
Behaviour
The grassland tirins are skittish and cautious creatures. During mating seasons, however, the bucks become unusually agressive and might choose to fight a predator rather than running from it. They will stomp the ground with their forepaws as a warning before attacking.
Tirins use their bright tail and rear to signal danger to the rest of the herd.
When tirins are happy and relaxed they will brux their teeth rapidly. They will also engage in grooming and nuzzling with other herdmembers.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Tririms live in large herds that can reach up to 20 individuals. The herd tends to be led by the strongest male, who has to uphold his position by defeating other males in battle.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
The grassland tirin has a very wide field of view and can see behind itself without turning its head. Despite this, their actual vision is rather poor, and they will percieve any unknown movement as an enemy or predator.
Name Origin & Meaning
The name "tirin" comes from the varan words "ti"=three, and "rin"=horn, refering to the three horns on the tirin's face.
Lifespan
7-10 years.
Average Height
0.7-1 meter (shoulder height).
Average Weight
40 - 70 kg.
Geographic Distribution
Terminology
- A male tirin is called a buck.
- A female tirin is called a doe.
- A juvenile tirin is called a kit.
- A group of tirins is called a herd.
- The plural of tirin is tirins.
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