Deso

A type of alien life form that closely resembles an earthling bunny, but with a combination skin pattern of fur and scales. These creatures have no fear of the colonists and as such tend to just let them be. In return the colonists don't pay them much attention either. While Desos have never been aggressive towards people, some have claimed that they will on occasion fight with each other, violently clawing and biting at each other until only one emerges victorious. Strangely, this only seems to happen when they are around brightroot.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Desos are small creatures resembling rabbits from earth. They ordinarily walk on four legs, but is capable of standing or squatting on only its hind legs. The forelegs are often shorter, but contain small hands with fingers and opposable thumbs. Retractable claws extend from each finger that can sometimes grow sharp enough to cut through flesh. Their skin is covered in an unusual combination of scales and fur. The fur seems to grow out of the spaces between the scales to create an insulating layer that also deafens an noise from body movement.

Genetics and Reproduction

While Deso mating hasn't been properly observed, it is arguably understandable that they create family groups and mate for life. The yield of each mating is unknown however.

Growth Rate & Stages

No Deso children have been observed as they likely keep them in their underground homes until they are able to forage on their own. For this reason it's difficult to pinpoint their life expectancy or the rate at which they grow.

Ecology and Habitats

Mild weather with low humidity is preferred. They live near the water, but are adverse to allowing it under their scales. One colonist often tells an anecdote of two Desos fighting and one forcing the other one into the river. When it crawled out it scratched at its own scales until they flew off and the creature died.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Desos are herbivores that use their claws to dig out the roots of plants, which they eat the entirety of. They do also favor the bitterberries.

Biological Cycle

They don't seem to sleep, much less hibernate. The seasons in the colony don't change the weather or climate enough to cause any shifts in behavior either. However, the older ones tend to dig up brightroot and throw them into the river.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Desos seem to be able to see, hear, feel, and taste just like humans, but their sense of smell is exceptional. Many have been noted to burrow with their rough scaly nose in order to find buried roots and seeds.

Scientific Name

Oryctolagus Lacertilia

Origin/Ancestry

Gurma Colony

Conservation Status

Flourishing