False bunyip (SciiFii)

The false bunyip (Scanduladorsum pumilum) is a diminutive, aquatic species of brontothere that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the freshwater habitats, estuaries, and shallow marine waters across Australia to help boost biodiversity. The false bunyip is a rather small member of the brontothere family, growing to be about the size of a pygmy hippopotamus, at around 75 centimeters (2.6 inches) tall. The false bunyip, unlike most brontotheres, has an amphibious lifestyle most akin to pinnipeds. It spends much of its day submerged underwater with just its "snorkel" nose poking above the surface, grazing on aquatic plants, then emerges onto land during the evening to supplement its diet with soft terrestrial leaves and fruits, moving with a slow sea lion-like gait. Generally solitary, but not territorial, it communicates over long distances with other individuals of its kind using surprisingly loud booming calls, amplified by its large nasal cavity. It also carries a commensal barnacle (Chelonibia brontes), a close relative of turtle barnacles that was also created by SciiFii. This species has developed a unique tolerance for freshwater, allowing it to stay attached and alive on its host between trips back to more marine conditions. The false bunyip is primarily a freshwater species, living in lakes, rivers, and marshes, but it migrates down to congregate in estuaries and shallow marine waters during the breeding season. The conservation status of the false bunyip is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the false bunyip's wide range.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii