Laramidia Mule
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Laramidia Mule is a crossbreed between donkeys and horses. They are generally larger than donkeys, but smaller than most horse breeds. The species was originally a domestic species that existed entirely in captivity, created some time in the 8,000s through selective breeding and genetic alterations to create fertile mules that could continue to breed, not hampered by the fact that most mules are sterile. Escaped domestic specimens established a wild population across many of the arid regions of Laramidia.
Genetics and Reproduction
Ordinarily, hybrids such as mules are sterile, but this is not the case for the Laramidia Mule. Through genetic alterations and selective breeding, a population of fertile individuals were created, and bred repeatedly to establish a population.
Ecology and Habitats
Originally a domestic species, the Laramidia Mule does not have a natural native range. Rather, escaped feral animals have established their own populations, finding the greatest success in arid and semi-arid environments across Laramidia. Due to their incredible skills at navigating harsh terrain, the mules are often found around steep cliffs, valleys, and areas with loose unstable soils that pose a threat to other similar animals, such as wild horses.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Laramidia Mules have adapted to eat a wide array of plant matter not available to other herbivores or their horse and donkey ancestors. Thorny vegetation, cacti, shrubs, tumbleweeds, and tough grasses are favored by them, along with seasonal flowers and fruit. The species has occasionally been documented to feed on shorter trees, but as much of their environment often lacks them, this behavior is generally quite rare.
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