Konax (cone-ax)

Konaxes are large ungulates who can only be found in the White desert. In this endless lanscape of sterile sand food is hard to come by, even most of the flowers that bloom here are poisonous, so the konax will take any chance it gets for a meal, even if it means eating other creatures.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Konaxes are rather large ungulates with a grey and white coat of fur. Theiy have long legs with cloven hooves with very long and sharp dew claws which they use for defense against predators. Their snouts have a trunk-like appearence, and serves the purpose of regulating air temperature when breathing. Male konaxes have two long, curved horns used for dominance battles.

Genetics and Reproduction

While female konaxes live in herds, the males are solitary. When a male konax encounters a herd of females he may stay with them for a few days to mate before going back to his solitary lifestyle.

Growth Rate & Stages

Female konax help take care of all the fawns in the herd, and may even take turns nursing. After about a year the fawn will reach maturity. Females stay with the herd their whole lives while the males leave once they're old enough.

Ecology and Habitats

Konaxes live only live in the White desert. They are specially adapted to hot environments and can go long periods without food and water.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Konaxes are omnivorous, so while they eat grasses and some desert plants, they will hunt smaller creatures. The konax is not a pursuit-predator though, and instead tends to feed on smaller creatures buried in the sand. They may also scavenge for scraps left behind by other predators.

Behaviour

While female konaxes are social and docile, the males are solitary and agressive.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Unlike most ungulates, the konax has forward-facing eyes that gives them excellent vision and focus. Their unique nose gives them a great sense of smell which they use to find prey buried in the sand.

Name Origin & Meaning

The name "konax" comes from the varan words "kon"=spike, and "ax"=foot.

Lifespan

10 - 15 years

Average Height

1.5 meterss (at the soulder)

Average Weight

300 - 500 kg.

Average Length

2 meters (inluding tail)

Geographic Distribution

• White desert

Terminology

• A male konax is called a buck.
• A female konax is called a doe.
• A juvenile konax is called a fawn.
• A group of konaxes is called a herd.
• The plural of konax is konaxes.