Anjanath (KH-AA Version)

## Anjanath

**Anjanath** are a species of Brute Wyvern, native to the world of Anthaar.

## Appearance

Anjanath resembles a *Tyrannosaurus;* it has black and grey fur on its back which coupled with its flesh-toned scales, make it look similar to the archetypal image of a vulture. Its hide is primarily pink in color, while a dark pelt covers its back which ends in a ruff at the neck, leaving the head bald. Large fangs protrude from the monster's lower jaw, giving it the appearance of an under-bite. Anjanath's massive jaws are counterbalanced by its bulky tail, the underside of which is lined with quills. Compared to its powerful hind legs, the monster's forearms are extremely small. Hidden beneath the monster's pelt is a pair of dorsal sails, which only flare out at select moments. Anjanath can also unfold a prominent nasal crest, which it uses to mark its territory via mucus, sniff out prey, or indicate heightened aggression. Once primed, the flame sac located in Anjanath's throat will glow a fiery red.

## Abilities

Anjanath has powerful jaws that allow it to lift up large creatures and throw them around and even rip apart foes, along with a powerful nose used for smelling out prey. It also has the ability to breathe fire from its mouth utilizing an organ in its throat. Anjanath are relentless predators that will chase down anything that dares attack them. Once they've been provoked, Anjanath won't let an enemy get away easily. When enraged, Anjanath will breathe heavily and reveal its nostrils. It will also occasionally flash small fins from its back in an effort to threaten their target, making them seem larger in appearance.

## History

### 130 Years ABY

* Aegis Allen and Ara Mensalt, shortly after arriving on Anthaar's Ancient Forest of the New World Continent, are chased by an Anjanath, and are saved from it by Hiro Strife.

## Ecological Information

### Habitat Range

Anjanath in the New World are known to inhabit the Ancient Forest and Wildspire Waste. In the Old World they are known to inhabit Flooded Forest, Horizon Citadel, Lava Caverns, Nomura Woods, Old Jungle, Sandy Plains, and Shrine Ruins.

### Ecological Niche

The highly territorial Anjanath is a powerful predator in both the Ancient Forest where it calls home, and occasionally the Wildspire Waste where it can also be spotted. It preys on Aptonoth (and Apceros when in the Waste) and can outmatch other monsters in its territory such as the Great Jagras, Pukei-Pukei, Great Wroggi, Tetranadon and Tobi-Kadachi with ease. However, despite its prowess, it still needs to look out for powerful apex predators such as Rathalos, as well as ferocious nomadic monsters like Deviljho and Bazelgeuse. The rarely spotted Elder Dragons, such as Kushala Daora, can also be a problem.

### Biological Adaptations

The Anjanath is suited for deep forest living, its dark scales and furry pelt giving it camouflage as it waits to ambush prey. It is able to extend two sails from its back, and these act like two giant thermal regulators. These sails are always extended to stop the beast from overheating when it uses its signature ability; its fire breath. By igniting fragrant and flammable mucus, which it produces in its nose, using a flame sac in its body, the Anjanath can send out a gout of flames from its mouth. It also uses this mucus to mark its territory and fend off potential invaders. Conversely, it's black fur acts as an effective insulator and is thought to help support the beast's utilization of and resistance to fire. The Anjanath has a loose fleshy appendage on the tip of its snout which, when filled with blood, greatly enhances its sense of smell. The Anjanath uses this to sniff out prey, as well as using it along with its sails as an intimidation factor. Their great sense of smell compensates for their poor eyesight.

### Behavior

Anjanath are highly aggressive and territorial, and will attack any intruders on their territory. Anjanath males are especially aggressive towards other males, as those males with the biggest territory attract the females. The beast's sails are theorized to be used by Anjanath to communicate with its brethren, although this hasn't yet been confirmed due to it's extremely aloof and solitary nature. Younger Anjanath males will often attempt to steal an older Anjanath's land if they can.

## References

1. Anjanath Overview on Monster Hunter Wiki
2. Anjanath Ecology Page on Monster Hunter Wiki