Svirax (Svee-rax)

These shy creatures can only be found in the deepest swamps and forests, as they prefer to sleep on branches overhanging water to avoid predators. Sviraxes are typically quite slow-moving creatures, but if they are threatened they will swiftly leap from their branch and glide through the air to reach a safe spot using the skin membrane between their limbs.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Sviraxes have four limbs connected by a skin membrane. They are mostly brown with a cream-colored underside and a greyish-blue patch of long fur on their backs. They have long prehensile tails that are mostly hairless and covered in scales, but with white hair-tufts at the end. They have long snouts and tongues, and long ears. Their faces have a cream-colored mask and small, black eyes. Their forepaws each have one giant claw used to grasp onto branches. Female sviraxes have pouches to keep their joeys in, while the male have not.

Genetics and Reproduction

Sviraxes reproduce every 6 years or so, and usually have 2 - 4 joeys at a time.

Growth Rate & Stages

The joeys are born underdeveloped, but crawl into their mother's pouch right after birth where they will continue to grow for a few months. Once they're big enough to leave their mother's pouch they will stick around near their mother for about a year before they leave.

Ecology and Habitats

Sviraxes are entirely arboreal and depend on trees to survive. They prefer warm to temperate habitats with a lot of vegetation, and tend to nest above rivers for safety.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Sviraxes are omnivorous and eats leaves, fruits and insects.

Behaviour

Sviraxes are solitary and flees whenever they are approached.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Sviraxes have a great sense of smell and hearing, but have rather poor eyesight.

Name Origin & Meaning

The name "svirax" comes from the varan words "svir"=to cling/hang, and "rax"=claw.

Lifespan

10 - 15 years.

Average Weight

3 - 6 kg.

Average Length

1 - 2 meters (including tail)

Geographic Distribution

• Kuali swamp
• The sanctuary

Terminology

• A male svirax is called a buck.
• A female svirax is called a doe.
• A juvenile svirax is called a joey.
• A group of sviraxes is called a gathering.
• The plural of svirax is sviraxes.