Bonnacon

Basic Information

Anatomy

Bonnacon resemble thin cattle with curling, ram-like horns, ruddy gray fur, and fiery orange eyes with rectangular pupils.
Much like cattle, bonnacon are ruminants, possessing 4 stomachs to process food through and chewing cud.

Genetics and Reproduction

Bonnacon reproduce sexually and give live birth. Gestation occurs over a 6-month period.

Growth Rate & Stages

From birth, the growth of a bonnacon is a steady but slow process. They begin life as a calf that's typically under 2 feet/0.62 meters tall, and are capable of walking within an hour. The bonnacon calf will nurse for a year before transitioning to eating solid foods. Yearling bonnacon stay close to their mother for the next two seasons, before fully integrating with the herd. A bonnacon will be fully grown by the time it is 4 years old.

Ecology and Habitats

Bonnacon hail from the arid badlands of Nooma'l's deserts and can readily adapt to similar locations. They thrive in dry conditions and can begin to suffer in high humidity. Bonnacon travel in herds of 20-100 head, roaming for places to graze.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Bonnacon feed on shrubs, grasses, roots, and similar substances that they encounter in the badlands. Their primary food source is fireweed, a highly sulphurous plant. As few other animals feed on the same things that bonnacon do, they have little need to compete for food, and do not fight with other herbivores unless food is scarce.
The back hump of a bonnacon stores some measure of fat which can sustain the bonnacon for up to a week in times of famine.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Herds of bonnacon are primarily composed of female bonnacon, with only a handful of males present (typically one male for every five females). There is no clear hierarchy within the herd.

Domestication

Domestication of bonnacon began by herding the animals through the desert. They are generally docile and receptive to training and conditioning. Bonnacon develop trust towards handlers by observing handlers interacting with other bonnacon and feeding. No physiological difference is currently observable between domestic and wild individuals.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The goblinoids of Galynels herd bonnacon for meat, leather, and dung. When dried, bonnacon dung can be ground into a powder that is usable as basis for gunpowder due to high sulphur content.
Bonnacon are also used as beasts of burden, pulling carts or plows and carrying heavy loads.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The eyes of bonnacon are well adapted to arid conditions, with thick eyelashes to keep out dust. However, their eyesight is somewhat poor. The senses of smell and hearing are the primary methods with which bonnacon look for food and stay aware of predators.

Lifespan

30 years

Average Height

5 feet 6 inches - 6 feet / 1.68 meters - 1.83 meters

Average Weight

1600 pounds - 1800 pounds / 725.8 kilograms - 816 kilograms

Average Length

6 feet 9 inches - 8 feet 2 inches / 2.06 meters - 2.48 meters