Merkbat
Though spread throughout the Northeastern forests of Undinia, it should be noted that three separate species of Merkbat exist in the area. Each of these species is very similar, with only habits differing between the groups, they are split between the Northern Merkbat, Southern Merkbat, and Mountain Merkbat. Most of the description is of the Southern Merkbat, with notes on how the other two species differ from it.
Physcal features
Small and Slender in build, Merkbats are recognizable by their broad head, big eyes, and pointed snouts. They have long hind legs with long toes, long forearms with membrane connecting the wrist to the body to form a wing, and long bushy tails that can used for balance and to help steer in flight. Small claws end each finger and toe to help climb and move around trees While the whole body is covered in short fur. The Mountain species is slightly taller with shorter fingers and longer, sharper claws for climbing, also being more slender with longer tails. In comparison, the Northern Merkbat is slightly bulkier with thicker fur and a less flexible wing membrane for gliding rather than pure powered flight for the denser, colder forests.Social behavour
Formed into troops of between ten and fifty in number, of nearly equal genders. This is made up of mating pairs based around a matriarch. Each year around the middle of Suriel, The unpaired males start a mating call to attract a female. The Matriarch gets the first pick of the males. Cubs are often born at the end of Ikhael in litters of up to three. The whole troop helps to raise the young. As males turn adolescent they leave their current troop in search of a new one to join during the mating season. The average life span is fifteen to twenty years with most reaching maturity at five. Most females will have around six litters. The troop spends most of their time in trees, picking out insects from the trees to feed, only coming to the ground every so often, part of the troop is always on watch. Active most of the year, Merkbats are a common scene in the Dread Forest,The Frozen Forest, and Northern Rivell mountains. Shifter tribes have commented that they seem to have some sort of language, though as of yet translated it, this is dismissed by Rivellian scholars. While this is true for most Merkbats, the northern Merkbats have been known to hibernate when times are hard in the Dark season, while the mountain Merkbats spend more time on the ground, retreating to cliffs to nest.
Lifespan
15 years
Average Height
21 to 31 CM
Average Weight
.43 to .87 KG
Geographic Distribution
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