Kangireeda

## Species

* Kango kango
* Kango pygmaeus
* Kango cuasuhaiensis

**Kangireedas** are great apes native to the rainforests of Indofingxiao and Cuasuhai. Originally, members of this genus were classified as one species, but are now split into three species; the Sukimakese kangireeda (*Kango kango*), the Igerou kangireeda (*Kango pygmaeus*), and the Cuasuhai kangireeda (*Kango cuasuhaiensis*). Kangireedas are the last surviving members of their subfamily, Kanginae, which is related to the subfamily Elvininae, which includes elves and ganzees.

They are the most arboreal of the great apes, spending most of their time in trees. They have proportionately long arms and short legs and have long brown fur that covers their bodies. Adult males can weigh up to 80 kg (176.3 lbs) while females reach about 40 kg (88.1 lbs). Dominant males are usually larger and more distinctive than others, with younger males more so resembling females. They are omnivores, feeding mainly on fruits, but they will also eat other vegetation, bark, diplects and eggs.

Kangireedas are among one of the most intelligent primates, using a variety of tools for varies forms of foraging and being able to build nests at night. Studies have shown that when a kangireeda observed an elf using more advanced tools, such as a saw and hammer to build a hut, the kangireeda quickly learned as was able to mimic the elf.

All three species of kangireeda are critically endangered. Elven activities have caused severe decline in population of some areas and ranges. Threats include poaching, habitat destruction and deforestation, as well as the illegal pet trade. Several conservation organizations and sites have been set up throughout the range of the kangireedas that are dedicated to the survival and conservation of the species in the wild.

## Etymology

The name *kangireeda* likely originated from a native Cuasuhaian or Igeoruan language, possibly from the M'keng name for the animal, **Kong'ree a**, which likely changed throughout its introduction to foreign Poran languages. The modern Bostanish spelling and pronunciation likely originated from the Bontirish spelling and pronunciation of the word, *kangreeda*, with emphasis between the *kang* and *ree*, thus becoming the Bostanish k*angireeda*.

The generic name likely originated from the pronunciation of the beginning of the name *kong'* which likely was translated as *kango* or *kangi*, however generic names more commonly end with an o than an i. The specific names vary, with the basic species *K. kango* being typical nomenclature for the originally named species. *K. cuasuhaiensis* refers to the country of origin, Cuasuhai, and the species *K. pygmaeus* refers to the smaller size of that species.

## Taxonomy

The kangireeda and its extinct relatives form a subfamily known as Kanginae, which is most closely related to the subfamily Elvininae, which includes elves, ganzees, and their extinct relatives. Together the two subfamilies form the family Elvinidae, which is sister to the family Parsobatidae which includes the dolicans. The two families form the superfamily Elvinoidea, also known as the apes.

The following classification of living apes is accepted:

## Characteristics

Kangireedas display significant and obvious sexual dimorphism: females typically stand at 1.2 m (3.9 ft) tall and weigh around 40 kg (88.1 lbs), while adult males stand at 1.4 m (4.5 ft) tall and weigh 80 kg (176.3 lbs). Compared to elves, they have proportionately longer arms, with males having an arm span of around 1.9 m (6.2 ft), and short legs. They are typically covered in a dense, long layer of fur that is usually brown in color, covering most of their body, although the exact color can vary, being darker or more vibrant, whilst the skin is usually a dark grey.

They have small noses and ears which are unlobed, and compared to the ganzee, have a severely underdeveloped brow. The skulls of females and younger individuals are usually round, whilst the skulls of fully adult males have a prominent sagittal crest, extensive throat pouches and longer canines. Dominant males use their throat pouches as resonance chambers to amplify the sound of their vocalizations

Kangireedas have four long fingers and a short opposable thumb for a strong grip on branches as they travel through the trees. The resting position of these fingers are curved, resembling a hook that is used for grip. Their feet have long toes and an opposable big toe, giving them hand-like dexterity with their feet. Their hip joint also allows for their legs to rotate similarly to their arms and shoulders.

They are mainly arboreal, spending most of their life in trees and off the ground, however, like other apes, they are capable of walking on the ground, however unlike the ganzee, they do not use knuckle walking, instead walking using the side of their hands and feet.

## Ecology and behavior

As previously stated, kangireedas are arboreal and inhabit the tropical rainforests of southeastern Tanisea and its outlying islands. Populations are often more concentrated around riverside habitats, such as freshwater or swamps, whilst drier forests tend to have lower populations. Unlike other non-elven apes, mainly the dolicans and ganzees, the kangireeda are capable of wading through shallow waters, perhaps an adaptation due to their rainforest habitats which can flood easily.

### Diet

Kangireedas are primarily fruit-eaters, which often consists of over 80% of their diet and between 50-76% of their foraging time. Even when fruits are scarce, they still dedicate more than 20% of their foraging time searching for fruits.

Kangireedas also include leaves, roots, diplects, and eggs in their diet, however these are eaten less frequently when fruits are available.

### Social life

Unlike other apes, the kangireeda is less social, and often more solitary in nature. The only consistent bonds are that between a mother and her offspring which will share their home range until they become more dependent. Males will often challenge other males for their home range and for the females within their range. Some individuals however do travel in groups.