Rhinowary
The rhinowary is a large herbivore from south Sharos, and one of the most dangerous in the world. They are made formidable not just by their size, but by their willingness to attack. They are known to be highly aggressive, even to humans, who rarely hunt them due to the inherent danger.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Striking quadrupedal animals, rhinowaries are best characterized by the massive horn on their heads. Though the exact shape varies, and it tends to be somewhat smaller in females, it is a large structure which spreads across the top of the head. Though some may expect it to be used for combat, it is more typically used to pull down plants to eat, or to spread them apart while walking.
Aside from their horns, rhinowaries have heavy heads, with pointy beak-like lips and sharp herbivorous teeth. They have good hearing through their small ears, and a keen sense of smell, but have poor eyesight with their small eyes. Their faces are bright blue in color, and red in the neck; they also possess two red wattles, hanging down their throats.
The rhinowaries' skin is thick with a mosaic-like pattern, giving it an armored appearance, and hangs down in folds in select places, further that look. Though they are mostly hairless, they sport stiff bristly black plumage in others, covering their thick skin. Outside of their brightly colored heads, their skin is grayish in color.
Female rhinowaries tend to be larger than males, but aside from size and horn there is little difference between the two sexes. They have thick feet with three toes, with the inner toe on the front feet sporting a sharp dagger-like claw. These are used during self-defense, in devastating kicks delivered by their moderately long but powerful legs.
Ecology and Habitats
Rhinowaries favor tropical rainforests, though they may rarely be found in tropical grasslands as well. They are grazers and browsers, and help hinder the spread of their home forests by feeding on saplings while they are still small. They also form an important source of food for large predators.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Grazers and browsers, rhinowaries feed on a wide range of plants. These include shoots, twigs, young foliage, fungi, and their favorites, fallen fruit. They are tough and can safely feed on fruits that are toxic to most other animals. Additionally, they also eat small animals if they come across them, but don't actively hunt them.
Behaviour
Rhinowaries are aggressive towards others, especially large beings that could be predators, which includes humans. They charge as a warning, with their heads held low, but don't aim to hit in these charges, nor do damage. If the perceived threat doesn't leave, the rhinowary will turn to actual attacks, kicking out with their front legs, especially the dagger-like front leg. Still, they rarely aim to hit with these strikes, unless they are actually attacked.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Though their eyesight is exceedingly poor, rhinowaries have keen senses of hearing and smell to make up for it. Their ears can move separately, allowing them to really hone in on suspicious noises. If unsure, they tend to favor an aggressive approach.
Lifespan
30 - 37 years
Average Height
1.7 m
Average Weight
584 kg (male),
959 kg (female)
Average Length
2.6 m
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Grayish, black plumage, bright face
Geographic Distribution
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