Wildlife of Zaitopia
The following is a list of Zaitopia's most noteworthy animal species, sorted geographically.
West Horn Penninsula
Imperial Mega Hawk
Imperial Mega Hawk | |
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Binomal name | Buteo imperiosus |
Trophic Level | Apex predator |
Size | 3m (10') wingspan |
Weight | 12kg (26lbs) |
Diet | Carnivore |
Biome | Temperate Rainforest |
These monstrous birds of prey were once the Apex Non-Kreature predators of the Zaitopian Northwest. With a huge wingspan and talons longer than a man’s fingers, they were capable of bringing down deer and other large mammals. Overhunting, overuse of pesticides and deforestation caused these already rare birds to become extinct for several decades. However, in recent years they have been brought back from the dead by using bits and pieces of their genome extracted from preserved museum specimens as well as their sister species, the Hooktalon Hawk. Efforts are currently underway to reintroduce them to their former habitat.
Cryptic Forest
Hooktalon Hawk
Hooktalon Hawk | |
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Binomal name | Buteo billaineus |
Trophic Level | 4 |
Size | 1.4m wingspan (4'7") |
Weight | 1.2kg (2.7lbs) |
Diet | Carnivore |
Biome | Boreal and Temperate Forest |
Also known as the Hooktalon Buzzard, this common bird of prey is found in forested biomes all across Dimentiara's northern hemisphere, from Zaitopia to Crylona to Rikenga. The largest subspecies is the Zaitopian Hooktalon, which has a 2.5m wingspan, though most are smaller than this. They feed primarily on rodents and smaller birds but can sometimes be ambitious enough to attack lambs and fawns. During the period of time when the Imperial Mega Hawk was extinct, Zaitopian Hooktalons increased in size by 20% and expanded their population into their larger cousin’s former domain.
Chillveran Tundra
Sawtooth Mountains
Vara Lake
Tremek Islands
Deskan Badlands
Keemok Swamplands
Sauna Rainforest
King Tegu
King Tegu | |
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Binomal name | Salvator rex |
Trophic Level | Apex Predator |
Size | 2.21m long (7'3") |
Weight | 50.8kg (112lbs) |
Diet | Mesocarnivore |
Biome | Tropical rainforest |
The largest lizard in Dimentiara’s eastern hemisphere is a Tegu comparable in size to a Komodo Dragon. Unlike their more docile cousins, the Banded Tegu, they are able to maintain an endothermic metabolism outside the mating season, giving them the size and stamina to act as an apex predator. They will lay in wait and run down piglets and deer on their hindlegs. Massive jaw muscles and carnassial-like rear teeth allow them to dismember prey and crush bones, although they will also eat eggs and fruit on occasion.