Wisbat

Wisbats are the heaviest herbivores in Fethil, though smaller than Kangamoose, and form an important prey species to Fethilian dragons. Despite this, they are a tricky species to prey on, and dangerous to unsuspecting predators and hunters.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Wisbats are hefty quadrupedal animals, walking on four cloven hooves. The shape of their hooves are odd, however, claw-like in shape, and are used in digging. Their bodies are broad and muscular, covered in long shaggy fur, typically longer around the neck and shoulders than the rest of the body.
Notable are their horns, grown by both male and female wisbats. Combined with their heavy heads it allows wisbats to deliver devastating headbutts to enemies approaching from the front. The tougher skin on their hindquarters protects them from attacks from behind, and is often combined with powerful kicks thanks to their muscular legs and sturdy hooves. Capable of running at speeds of 40 to 50 km/h, a charging wisbat is something to be wary of.
Their dentition is oddly rodent-like, with continuously growing front teeth, allowing them to feed on grasses without much concern. This diet is further aided by their specialized guts, classifying them as ruminants.

Ecology and Habitats

Nomadic grazers, wisbats don't claim territory but slowly travel across Fethil, moving when food becomes scarce. In places where they stop traveling they dig pits where they can wallow, and which offers protection from predators, especially for smaller herd members. This digging results is soil turnover and aeration, positively affecting the environment.

Dietary Needs and Habits

As grazers, wisbats feed primarily on grasses, though they also browse other plants, as well as shoots and leaves. They live in nomadic herds and travel whenever food grows scarce.

Lifespan

19 years

Average Weight

317 - 480 kg (male), 219 - 338 kg (female)

Average Length

1.8 - 2.3 m (male), 1.4 - 1.9 m (female)

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Brown to black, sometimes partially grayish

Geographic Distribution

• Fethil