Varaahi
The varaahi are the favorite herding animal of the púca peoples in the Farrheach mountains, and the sacred animal of the deity Ahavi. They are well-equipped to live on the icy crags of the mountain range, and there are now roughly equal numbers of domesticated and wild varaahi in their endemic region.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The varaahi is ram-like in appearance, with a thick body and four thin, knobby-kneed legs made for traversing rocky paths. They have shortish snouts and large noses and long, floppy ears. All varaahi have two sets of horns, one sharply curved in a circular pattern, and the other set pointing straight toward the sky. The second set of horns are much shorter than the first, rarely poking more than a centimeter or two above the top of the first set of horns. Females have much shorter secondary horns than males, but their primary horns tend to grow about the same.
Genetics and Reproduction
Varaahi generally breed in early winter, and gestate for 25 weeks. It is rare for more than one lamb to be born.
Ecology and Habitats
Varaahi are avid climbers, and even in domesticated herds do they travel large distances over the course of a day.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Varaahi are accustomed to eating the starchy, fibrous tubers and roots of the mountain range they hail from. They eat for much of the day as the environment results in very sparse growth.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Varaahi travel in massive herds, and have small group structures within them. The "dominant" males and females, of which there are a handful in each herd, are determined in a series of head-butting contests. This is most commonly between varaahi of the same sex, however disputes between males and females have been recorded. Socializing outside of the small group structures is accepted, however varaahi tend to mate within their group.
Domestication
Domesticated varaahi have been around for a very long time, having been the favored companion of the púca people. These varaahi are less migratory than their wild cousins, traveling large swaths of land during the day but always returning to their owners' home villages before a full week has passed. Domesticated varaahi grow slightly larger, and mothers have the potential to bear more than one lamb with the proper care.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
The púca use varaahi primarily for their milk and wool, however their meat, skin, and bones are also utilized on occasion.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Varaahi are only found in the Farrheach mountain range, generally in the higher altitudes.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Very strong eyesight and good sense of smell and hearing.
Lifespan
25 years
Conservation Status
Within púca territory, all domesticated varaahi are protected by traditional law. Hunting of wild varaahi in these areas is heavily discouraged, and if the animal is found dead it is expected that all of its body be used in some way.
Average Height
.7 - 1.1 m at the shoulder
Average Weight
125 -150 kg
Average Length
1.5 - 1.8 m
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Ranging from black to gray to brown and red, varaahi seldom have defined markings like spots or stripes. However, they do occasionally have lighter socks or underbelly markings and dappling. Domesticated animals tend to have much brighter fur.
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