Kivu

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Kivu is a small monkey like animal very much like the earth animal Sugar Glider except they have no gliding ability and focus on climbing instead. Their ears and eyes are very large and their fingers have long claws which they can use to hold on while climbing.

Genetics and Reproduction

Kivu mate for life and will raise 2-4 kits in a year. They breed in winter during their hibernation cycle and give live birth in late spring or early summer. The kits are playful and mischievous and keep the parents busy. Both parents work together to teach the kits how to act and by the time the Kivu kit is 6 months old it is ready for a home of its own. In the wild it will strike off to find its own territory between 6 and 8 months of age. As fall closes in the Kivu in a given area will start to come together and as the weather gets colder they will spend more and more time in their shared den. Depending on the den size 2-50 Kivu might hibernate together.

Growth Rate & Stages

Young Kivu are considered kits until they reach the age of 6 months. They reach sexual maturity at around 8 months and most will have their first family during their 2nd summer. They can live for 15-18 years and usually have a relatively short senior period.

Ecology and Habitats

They are indigenous to the forests of Nemani.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Kivu eat fruit and vegetables. They prefer Nemani Nyxberry but will eat plant food from any world.

Biological Cycle

Kivu hibernate in winter on their home planet of Nemani, however pet Kivu often are active year round and only hibernate if they are consistently in a dark or cold environment.

Behaviour

Kivu are sweet and loyal companions. They have a way of knowing when someone is hurting emotionally and come to offer support in very sweet ways. They can be trained to ride in a pocket or on a shoulder and will not jump down and run off unless startled. Once they trust their companion to protect them they will stay with their companion even if startled and will snuggle down in the pocket for safety. They love high places and will often sleep on top of the curtain rod or in some other nest like place in the house.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Kivu live alone or in small family groups but congregate together to share a den for hibernating in winter

Domestication

Kivu are excellent pets and are sold on Nemani and across the galaxy.

Average Intelligence

Kivu are fairly intelligent. They can be trained and seem to have a sense for when their companions are hurting emotionally. They have also on occasion been known to alert to certain medical conditions.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Kivu have extraordinary hearing and sight due to their large eyes and ears. They are near the bottom of the food chain on their world and so are very alert always checking their surroundings for dangers. The thing they most value in a pet relationship is safety.

Scientific Name

Kivarra Ascencio

Origin/Ancestry

Tiny forest primate on Nemani

Lifespan

15-18 years

Conservation Status

Kivu are common in the forests of Nemani. They are also often sold in pet stores. They are friendly and easy to care for and so make excellent pets.

Average Height

4 inches

Average Weight

3-5 pounds

Average Length

6 inches

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Kivu are usually blue with tan markings

Geographic Distribution

• Nemani

Related Ethnicities

• Nemanoi