Kriatan

The Kriatan are a species of large, predatory mammals native to the frigid northern regions of Suman on Sanghelios. They are renowned for their formidable hunting prowess and unique adaptations to survive in the harsh arctic environments of their homeland.
== Overview ==
=== Biology ===
Kriatan are sizable creatures, with males reaching heights of up to 2.5 meters at the shoulder and weighing over 500kg and females up to 3.4 meters at the shoulder and 700kg. Their muscular build and powerful limbs make them capable of taking down large prey. They have keen, amber-colored eyes that can detect movement from afar, a keen sense of smell for tracking prey, and powerful jaws filled with sharp teeth designed for tearing through flesh and bone. Kriatan are known for their Panthera and Ursidae-esque physique, having retractable claws on their forelimbs that can extend for gripping prey or digging into icy terrain. Their hind limbs are adapted for powerful propulsion, allowing them to leap large distances in pursuit of prey or escape threats. Kriatan are also adept swimmers, able swim in the icy waters with ease. Their streamlined bodies and webbed feet make it easier to move in the water. Under their dense fur, they possess special skin layers that can regulate body temperature in extreme cold. te efficient movement in water. Beneath their dense fur, they have specialized skin layers that help regulate body temperature in extreme cold. 
=== Behavior ===
Kriatan are versatile and intelligent hunters, employing various tactics based on their prey and environment. They are adept at both stalking and ambush hunting, using their camouflage and patience to their advantage. While being primarily solitary hunters, Kriatan communicate through vocalizations and scent markings. They are also highly territorial. They establish large territories that surround their den and violently protect it. They occasionally have confrontations with rivals, especially during mating seasons or food disputes. They can also enter a state of dormancy during prolonged periods of scarce food, conserving energy until conditions improve. Kriatan are one of the two apex predators in their ecosystem, preying on large herbivores like Auranok and ice-dwelling mammals. Their presence influences the behavior and distribution of prey species, contributing to the overall balance of the food web.
=== Habitat ===
The primary habitat of the Kriatan consists of vast expanses of frozen tundra, where the ground is often covered in thick layers of snow and ice. The landscape is relatively flat, punctuated by occasional rocky outcrops and frozen streams. In addition to the tundra, the Kriatan also inhabit the lower slopes and foothills of snow-capped mountains that dominate the northern regions of Suman. These mountains provide sheltered valleys and rocky crags where the Kriatan can seek refuge from harsh weather conditions.  Vegetation in the Kriatan's habitat is sparse and consists mainly of hardy grasses, mosses, and lichens that can withstand the extreme cold temperatures and short growing seasons. Shrubs and low-lying bushes may be found in sheltered areas or along the banks of waterways. Beneath the surface, the ground is often frozen year-round, forming a layer of permafrost that extends several meters deep. This frozen layer influences the distribution of vegetation and the availability of water, shaping the overall ecosystem of the Kriatan's habitat.
Category:Halo: Golden Blood