Jersey devil (SciiFii)

The Jersey devil (Diablotherium leedsi) is a species of dinosaur-like pterosaur-like reptile, closely related to the lizards, with the monitor lizards being its closest living non-dragon relative, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout eastern North America to help boost biodiversity. Jersey devils are a fairly large species, with a length of 9 feet and a wingspan of 21 feet, they are one of the largest flying dragons, but due to the fact that they still have fairly long tails, they are poor flyers, being better adapted to being a bipedal runner, stalking and taking chase to its prey, rarely taking prolonged flights. While they are poor fliers they can still utilize their wings for intimidation by spreading them out to appear even larger and have developed a spike on them for combat, most likely to simulate convergent evolution. Like with all dragons adapted to cool northern climates, Jersey devils are covered in a coat of fur-like filaments known as pycnofibers, which on the neck is longer, giving it a mane, and with some ear tufts on the head, gives this dragon a vaguely mammalian appearance, hence why witnesses describe this animal as having a horse or goat-like head. They are incredible hunters, able to run at speeds of up to 42 MPH for 2 minutes max, usually wouldn't take that amount of time to catch up to their prey, as they always stalk and study them for up to 6 hours, usually hiding by rearing up erectly to hide behind trees. When they go in for the kill, they'll hook onto their prey with specialized raptorial claws, akin to the famous non-avian theropods, the goblins (Dromaeosauridae), and proceed to relentlessly jab at them with their wing spikes through their wing flaps and bites (which exert a force of 370 lbs) until the prey is rendered dead or worse, fatigued and wounded. If the prey were too large and powerful they'll often beat them in with a flurry of kicks from their two-toed feet (usually exerting a force of 130 lbs per strike), which give off another mammalian feel to it that had left some people confused at first, even leading them to believe it was a type of demon. Like the western dragon, they are venomous, but will only do so as a last resort, only shown using it when they're too fatigued or close to it and must conserve their energy. One other unique trait they possess is their incredible durability, able to shrug off getting shocked, stabbed, bitten, struck, and even shot at by firearms. This is mostly thanks to their coat, being compared to that of a honey badger. Aside from their high durability thanks to their strong coat, they also have an impressively high healing factor, able to heal wounds like dislocated leg or tail bones and mild lacerations within 20-28 hours. Data on their mating habits are currently unknown but have been theorized to be once every 5 years around late spring or early summer, and the young will be within their parent's care for 2 years. The healed wounds found on males have been found to belong to the wing spikes of another, and with traces of dragon venom, strongly suggests males would size each other up and apply their venom on their spikes in front of a female and fight like platypuses for the right to mate. The number of eggs produced is also currently unknown as nests are well hidden and fiercely guarded by both parents, but appear to be nested within abandoned buildings. Jersey devils are as elusive as they are hostile, and only tolerate the presence of others during mating season or are already paired with a mate, although will tend to give each other some fair bit of distance, often giving each other around 30-90 feet distance apart. Should one be faced with a real threat, they will let out a loud blood-curdling wailing scream (slightly distinct from their other notable cry used as a territorial or intimidation display), that they're notorious for producing, which would be picked up easily by the other who'll proceed to hastily make their way towards their endangered mate or offspring. The conservation status of the Jersey devil is Vulnerable due to some habitat loss and historic poaching through persecution, however, thanks to the conservationists, the Jersey devil is a protected species and is making a comeback.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii