Aurochs

Basic Information

Anatomy

Aurochs are a species of large, horned bovids native to the plains of western Egera.
Standing at least five feet at the shoulders at full growth, aurochs have a stocky, muscular body, particularly in the shoulder region, on deceptively spindly legs. Their horns grow horizontal from the top of the skull and curve upwards or forwards at the tip. In a full grown male those horns can reach up to 30 inches in length.
Females of the species are noticeably smaller than their male counterparts, though no less muscular. They also possess horns, but these are again much smaller and frequently show less curvature.

Ecology and Habitats

Aurochs require large amounts of space for grazing and exercise. Their native habitat is that of open plains or sparse woodlands with acres of space to roam in search of land to graze. If adequate feed is provided they can be kept healthy in enclosures of less than an acre, particularly if they are used for labor to provide exercise.
In the wild, aurochs live in herds of roughly 10-20 individuals, swelling up to 30 during the breeding season. However, lone individuals have been witnessed in the wild and they seem to suffer no ill effects if kept solitary in captivity.

Dietary Needs and Habits

An Auroch's natural diet is primarily grass and supplemented by leafy vegetation. They have also been seen to eat berries or nuts that are low to the ground. In captivity, aurochs will eat just about any green vegetation that is offered to them, though grass and hay are recommended to make up the bulk of their diet. The vines of berry of squash plants are commonly given as a supplement, and fruits as treats.

Conservation Status

Wild aurochs are growing more rare in large part due to the introduction of humans into their native habitats. Because Kentier do not hunt they had no natural predators after reaching full size. If conservation attempts are not made in human-owned lands it is possible the wild population will go extinct within a few hundred years.
Domesticated populations, however, are flourishing. Most kentier villages will have at minimum a breeding pair, but frequently a small herd, used for heavy labor. Humans, also, have adopted the species as beasts of burden since their settling in the region, and also raise them for meat, milk, and leather.

Average Height

60-70 inches at the shoulders

Average Weight

1500-2700 lbs