Kvabebihyrax (SciiFii)

The tapir hyrax (Kvabebihyrax asiaticus) is a species of mammal belonging to the hyrax family that originally lived in Georgia as an extinct species of Kvabebihyrax during the Late Pliocene, and the genus itself was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and introduced throughout the modern rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across western Asia and across Europe to help boost biodiversity. The tapir hyrax is a very large member of the hyracoid family, attaining a body length of 1.8 to 2.5 meters (5.9 to 8.2 feet) with a 5 to 10 centimeter (2.0 to 3.9 inch) short stubby tail and an average weight around 225 kilograms (496 lbs). Unlike other hyraxes, the tapir hyrax is semi-aquatic and can see above the water while swimming due to its small eyes being high-placed, the tapir hyrax also has a short, mobile trunk similar to those of a tapir, hence its name. Like other hyraxes, the tapir hyrax is an herbivore. Using its mobile nose, it feeds on leaves, buds, shoots, and small branches it tears from trees, fruit, grasses, and aquatic plants. They also feed on the vast majority of seeds found in the forested environments it lives in. The tapir hyrax generally leads a solitary life, though feeding groups are not uncommon, and individuals, especially those of different ages (young with their mothers, juveniles with adults) are often observed together. The animals communicate with one another through shrill whistles and squeaks. The tapir hyrax may be active at all hours, but is primarily nocturnal. The gestation period is about 400 days, after which one offspring is born. Multiple births are extremely rare. The babies have reddish-brown hair with white spots and stripes, a camouflage which affords them excellent protection in the dappled light of the forested environments. This pattern eventually fades into the adult coloration. For the first week of their lives, infant tapir hyraxes are hidden in secluded locations while their mothers forage for food, and return periodically to nurse them. Later, the young follow their mothers on feeding expeditions. At three weeks of age, the young are able to swim. Weaning occurs after one year, and sexual maturity is usually reached six to 12 months later. The tapir hyrax has a lifespan of approximately 25 to 30 years. In the wild, its main predators are crocodilians, as well as large cats such as the leopard and the lion, which often attack tapir hyraxes at night when tapir hyraxes leave the water and sleep on the riverbank. The conservation status of the tapir hyrax is Near Threatened due to some habitat loss and historic poaching, however, thanks to the conservationists, the tapir hyrax is a protected species.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii