Virguraptor

The Virguraptor (Arc. Virguraptor kambha), or Mj. Kambha is a small theropod dinosaur of the Dromaeosauridae family. It's native to the Virtibus mountains of northeast Muejasa.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The virguraptor is a small, feathered dromaeosaurid dinosaur, roughly the size of a house cat. It walks bipedally, its feet equipped with sickle-shaped claws, which are seen in many other raptors, used to tackle and restrain larger prey. Virguraptors can be distinguished from other raptors by its more pointed snout, reminiscent of a birds beak. This snout shape is adapted for its omnivorous lifestyle.
Virguraptors have a long and stiff tail, acting as counterbalance. Despite being flightless, virguraptors possess feathered arms, which are used for display and gliding purposes. Evidence suggests they may also use those feathers to cover their nests. Some areas lack feathers, like the feet and snout.

Ecology and Habitats

map of the virguraptor habitat range.

The virguraptor is native to the Virtibus mountains in Laferkhin, Muejasa.

a mother virguraptor and her baby in the Virtibus.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Virguraptors are omnivorous animals, feeding on a wide variety of foods, including seeds, grains, berries, insects, and rodents. Their pointed snout is perfectly adapted to both searching for seeds, and tearing flesh.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

This dinosaur was domesticated by the Tariko tribe in 13th century BA. With time and human influence, domesticated virguraptors grew in size and lay larger eggs than their wild counterparts. They also lay unfertilized eggs more commonly. Virguraptors are known to be somewhat social and affectionate animals, and this isn't limited to humans. Tariko people consider them "basically, feathered cats".
The Tariko people domesticated virguraptors for two major purposes, due to which they have gained the nickname of "chicken-cat".

Eggs

Eggs laid by virguraptors are a staple of Tariko cuisine. They are much more rich in protein and vitamins than chicken or duck eggs. They are included in many familiar Tariko dishes, such as the Kambha omelette, which is served alongside sadza. Virguraptor eggs are always present in meals during Tariko celebrations and festivals.

Pest control

As virguraptors are small and omnivorous, they can act as pest control animals. They can eat mice, rats, moths, flies, stinkbugs, locusts, slugs, termites; anything that can be a pest to the Tariko people.

a Tariko girl with one of her family virguraptors.

Scientific Name

Virguraptor kambha

Lifespan

15 years

Average Height

45cm / 1'6

Average Weight

14kg / 30lbs

Average Length

1,1m / 3'7