Deergaroo

Moderately common and large in size, the deergaroo are mostly found in the Mediterranean wood- and shrublands of Fethil. They are fairly unassuming compared to some of the other large herbivores found on Fethil, like the kangamoose and wisbat, but form an essential source of food for large Fethilian predators, like klack kolves and Fethilian dragons.

Despite their more modest size and looks, deergaroo are thought to be related to kangamoose, being similar in appearance and behavior. Unlike kangamoose, deergaroo are better adapted for warm circumstances, but deal poorly with extreme cold. Among those who believe in the Forces, their relation is cause for extreme debate. Were both species created by the same Force, or did one copy the work of another?

Basic Information

Anatomy

Like kangamoose, the deergarou is quadrupedal animal, moving in the same odd way. Ordinarily, they move on all four, on cloven hooves. In a pinch, they can move more quickly by hopping, lifting their front feet off of the ground entirely and using only their hind legs, only one hooved toe touching the ground. They use their long tail for balance, both while hopping and when standing on their hind legs in a bipedal posture, freeing their front legs for combat. Kicks delivered with these hooved front feet are powerful, and their primary method of defense, especially for females and males who lack antlers.
Males grow antlers in spring but, unlike kangamoose, retain them beyond mating season. Instead, antlers are not shed until the end of winter, when the need for defense decreases. Like all antlers, they are covered in velvet while growing, supplying them with the required oxygen and nutrients. This is not the only sexual dimorphism the species displays, however, as male deergaroo are significantly larger than females.
Deergaroo have distinct summer and winter coats, and grow their thicker winter coats during autumn. Male deergaroo also grow manes in their winter coats, shedding the longer hairs with the rest of the coat during summer. In the winter they are gray, with lighter coats compared to summer. In summer their coats are instead reddish brown, and may sometimes have spots on their backs or black patches at their elbows. Regardless of season, deergaroo have darker markings around their heads, and are lighter on the throat, chest, and belly.

Ecology and Habitats

Deergaroo can be found in most of Fethil's wood- and shrublands, but are most populous in the Mediterranean areas in the west. They feed on a variety of plants in their habitats, and in turn feed large carnivores like dragons, black kotes, and others.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Deergaroo are herbivores, and feed primarily on grasses, though they also consume leafy shrubs and low trees. As such, they tend to prefer the open shrubland and woodlands of the west coast.

Base animals

Western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus) & red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Lifespan

10 years

Average Weight

87 - 127 kg

Average Length

1.3 - 1.8 m (male), 1.1 - 1.5 m (female), 0.8 - 1.0 m tail

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Reddish brown, lighter on underside, darker around head (summer)
Gray, lighter on underside, darker around head (winter)

Geographic Distribution

• Fethil