Fauna of Kutwhe

## Large mammals

Over 100 mammalian species are known to live in Kutwhe, making it a very diverse country despite its small size. Kutwhe, alongside Kosna, are one of the most diverse countries in the world mammalian wise, and despite their small sizes, they both are home to over 100 species, likely due to a equal amount of urban city and untouched wildlife landscapes.

### Water Buffalo

Water buffalos are relatively common in Kutwhe with uncounted individuals and thrive in the wild throughout all the mainland and are usually all domestic in Cailoon. At more than 1 ton in weight, the wild buffalo- or arni as it is also known-is a massive, powerful animal, with the widest horn span of any bovid-more than 6.5 ft (2m). Its large, splayed feet and flexible fetlock joints are suited to the muddy, marshy ground on which this water buffalo grazes. They mainly eat lush grasses and sedges but will supplement this if necessary with fruits, forbs, and bark. Depending on the temperatures, they may be active during the day or night, feeding for periods and then resting to ruminate their meal. A stable clan of females with young is led by a dominant matriarch and a mature bull. Females give birth only every other year because the gestation period is 300 to 400 days, which is the longest of any bovid species. Males leave their natal herd at about 3 years of age and form bachelor groups of about 10. Young males spar to assert dominance but avoid serious fighting, and then mix with females at mating times. The water buffalo has been domesticated for thousands of years and spread around the world into various, mostly smaller breeds of less than 1,100 lbs (500 kg). The remaining wild populations are scattered and scant with Kutwhe, alongside Southport and Mako Mako, being the only really restricted locations to wild water buffalos. Water buffalos have long been an icon of Kutwhe. During the midday heat, water buffaloes wallow in water or muddy pools, sometimes almost completely submerged, with only their nostrils showing. In addition to keeping them cool, wallowing helps to remove skin parasites, biting flies, and other pests that infest tropical swamps.

### Nilgai

Nilgai are introduced to Kutwhe and Mako Mako as zoo animals, later as private animal collections on ranches and farms, but when those farms have been abandoned, farmers let the nilgai go into the wild where they have a present population of between 15,000 - 18,000. Nilgais are found throughout Kutwhe including throughout all of Cailoon and are one of the most widespread animals of Kutwhe, though Kutwhe's nilgai population cannot compete with Mako Mako's population, which has up to 31,000, Kutwhe has a larger density of nilgai. Also called bluebuck or blue bull, the nilgai is a small-headed bovid with longer front than rear legs, and, in the male, stout, tapering horns 8 in (20 cm) long. The male's coat is gray or bluish gray; the female's is tawny. The nilgai prefers open woods to thick forest, is very wary, with sharp senses, and flees rapidly from predators, where in Kutwhe, are usually humans and crocodiles. It grazes and browses on a wide variety of grasses, leaves, and fruit, from early to midmorning and in the early evening. Males compete for territories- and thus access to groups of 2-10 females-by kneeling in front of each other and lunging with their horns. Breeding occurs during much of the year but most calves, either one or 2, are born in June-October, after a gestation of 243-247 days.

### Northern Olingo

Olingos are very common animals found in Kutwhe, especially in the capital of East Kutwhe City and its neighboring city of Coheen. They are related to their more northern cousins, the raccoons, and both belong to the family of Procyonidae. Olingos are found at every acre of the main island of Kutwhe but are absent from Cailoon, they are mostly observed in the south-eastern portion of Kutwhe which are full of dynamic and beautiful, lush subtropical and tropical forests. Their numbers are unknown but are estimated to be between 10,000 - 15,000 individuals. Olingos are commonly seen and heard at nighttime and dusk and many consider them to be the culprit for unknown sounds and rustlings in the forests after dark.

### Olinguito

Olinguitos are among the newest discovered species and were found in the northern province of Cailoon and are closely related to olingos and raccoons, some referring to them as the *Cailoon olinguito*, due to very similar resemblances to one another. The animal is an omnivorous figure, eating figs and berries, but occasionally also small insects and nectar. Their waste resembles the size of small blueberries, similar to those of lagomorphs or moose. Nobody knows their exact population; but they are thought to be critically endangered due to not being discovered for a long period of time, likely due to deforestation, some estimate their population to be below 2,000 animals.

### Jaguarundi

Jaguarundis are fairly common on Kutwhe with a population of 12,350 animals. No jaguarundis are known to inhabit the northern province of Cailoon or most urban areas and are very rare to be spotted in the eastern half of the country. Out of the 12,350 jaguarundis in the country, 10,970 inhabit the western half of the country (88%) which is mainly uninhabited with just spots of small farming and logging towns, meaning that jaguarundis usually dislike human interaction or contact. Jaguarundis originally ranged throughout all of the mainland but were limited to the western portion of the country since the 20th century after populations plummeted down from 70,000 which was an extremely high density for a tiny island. They often lived off rodents, insects and poultry. More mustelid than felid in overall proportions, with a pointed snout, long body, and shortish legs, the jaguarundi has several color forms of unpatterned fur, from black- mainly in forest-to pale gray-brown or red-in dry shrubland. The cat hunts by day, often on the ground, in habitats ranging from semiarid scrub to rain forest and swamp. Its main prey are birds, rodents, rabbits, reptiles, and invertebrates. Jaguarundis are typically black in Kutwhe.

### Marsh Deer

Marsh deer are found throughout Kutwhe and have been making way into the urban areas of the country, where they lie a pest to citizens as they tend to eat plants and flowers. Deer can be found in a variety of habitats include farmlands, swamps, islands, and woodlands; but marsh deer have a special niche which draws them around swamps and swampy areas making them more likely to be found along the southern half of the country which tends to be swampier. Marsh deer's populations have been decreasing due to deforestation. Marsh deer are considered a huge pest to farmers, gardeners and citizens' who plant cereal grasses, bamboo, monocots, legumes, water lillies, water-plantains, arrowroots, evening primroses and sedges which occupy up to 100% of their entire diet. Long legs and wide hooves allow the marsh deer to move easily in swamps and floodplains. The largest deer in southern Herethear, it is reddish brown in summer and darker in winter, with black lower legs, a pale face, and black around the lips and nose. It eats grasses, reeds, water plants, and bushes, and lives alone or in groups of 2-3. It is threatened by habitat loss due to irrigation and conversion to pasture or crops, water pollution, and competition from livestock.

### White-tailed Deer

White-tailed deer are not native to Kutwhe and have been introduced from Clementine, The Sandonas, and Stagg. There are approximately 100,000 white-tailed deer in Kutwhe and they are considered an invasive species next to the native marsh deer due to eating up indigenous and sometimes endangered plant species, they have also been known to have a spiking population which is estimated to reach up to a million in the next 100 years due to human impact and may cause a bad influence on endangered and local, native plant populations. White-tailed deer live mainly around the East Kutwhe City metro area where up to 87,000 live (87%), the remaining numbers live in the wooded areas of western Kutwhe.

### Wild Boar

Wild boars were introduced to the island from Kosna and Hartnett for hunting and to diversify wildlife species on the island, but populations have spiked up from an introduced 2,000 in 1981 to 120,000 on the island, wild boars inhabit up to 92% of the country's acres including in Cailoon. Wild boars equally inhabited both the eastern and western portions of the mainland at 37% of the boars at each portion of the mainland applying to 75% of the boar population inhabiting the mainland, while the remaining 25% resided in Cailoon. It is one of the most widely distributed terrestrial mammals, and is also the main ancestor of domestic breeds. It occupies a wide variety of habitats, eats almost any food, runs fast, and swims well. Males live alone except for the mating season, when they join with females and fight rival males for harems. Females are very protective of their young and may band together in groups (or sounders) of 20 or more.

### Mule Deer

Mule deer were introduced for hunting, fur and diversity in the late 19th century and have since been thriving in the country, but not to the extent of that of the white-tailed and marsh deer. There are approximately 3,000 mule deer widespread throughout both the main island and Cailoon with likely equal populations at the three regions of Kutwhe (The east, west, and Cailoon). The mule deer is widely distributed in many habitats, and is recorded as eating hundreds of plant species. The main color is gray-brown in winter, and rusty brown in summer.

### Water Chevrotain

Water chevrotains are found in southern Owanda but were introduced to Kutwhe for hunting, biodiversity, ambience for ornamental gardens and sometimes as escaped pets. Generally found within 820 ft (250 m) of water, this chevrotain is dark olive-brown, with white markings that include spots on the back, 1-3 stripes along each flank, and chin, throat, and chest bands. It has short legs and ears, a stout body, and swims well, which enables it to escape land-based predators successfully most of the time, but incurs the risk of crocodile attack. Water chevrotains forage for leaves and fallen fruit. Males live singly, while females and their young form small groups. Water chevrotains, alongside white-spotted chevrotains, in Kutwhe, have healthy populations both above 10,000 each, but lie prey easily to crocodiles, humans, jaguarundis, boars, bush dogs, and raccoons due to their small size.

### White-spotted Chevrotain

Chevrotains are indigenous to Talim and were introduced to Kutwhe for biodiversity and have since thrived to numbers above 10,000. Like other chevrotains (mouse deer), this species has 4 fully developed toes on each foot (True deer have 2). It skulks in cover, preferring rocky patches within tropical rain forest. Nocturnal and solitary, it has a spotted back, and striped flanks and throat; however, these pale markings are less distinct than those of water chevrotains and the main coat color is brown with tiny yellow speckles. Males compete using their sharp, tusklike upper canine teeth. The single young is born after a gestation of 5 months. They lie prey to crocodiles, jaguarundis, boars, humans, dogs, bush dogs and raccoons and are vulnerable due to their exceptionally small size.

### Pere David's Deer

Pere David's deer was introduced for ornamental use in the rich's gardens and sometimes roamed throughout owned land, but eventually, some escaped and formed large populations. Distinct from other deer in its body form, this species has a long, horselike face, wide hooves, and a long tail. Also unusual are the male's (stag's) "back-to-front" antlers. The coat is dark gray-fawn in winter, bright red-brown in summer, with a dark central back stripe, and a whorled hair pattern on the rump. They grow to be about 1.8-2.1 m in length, tail size is 14 in, weight usually ranges between 140-220 kg, and their social unit is in groups. The deer have the same niche as other deer in their country, such as the mule and white-tailed deer and graze onto grass. Most of the deer population resides in south-western Kutwhe on the main island with populations as high as 72,000. They usually prefer farmland areas and 33% of farmers report seeing a Pere David's deer on their land before.

### Sambar

Sambar are considered natives to the country, but are heavily vulnerable. They share their niche and habitat with water and white-spotted chevrotains and marsh deer. The sambar is dark brown except for rusty hues on the chin, inner legs, and tail underside (which has a black tip). The male's 3-point antlers grow to 4ft (1.2m) long. Both sexes have a neck mane of thicker fur; this is more prominent in rutting males. Solitary, except for a female with a fawn, and perhaps a yearling, too. These nocturnal deer eat a variety of vegetation. The sambar used to have populations of five million in Kutwhe but have decreased to just 2,300 due to severe hunting, local insurgery, and industrial exploitation of habitat. Sambars lie prey to humans, crocodiles, bush dogs, and occasionally lie prey to raccoons and jaguarundis when their juveniles.

### Spotted Paca

Pacas are endangered in Kutwhe and have a population of just 432 but have been doing well over the last years with expected populations of up to 10,000 expected to reach in the next few decades or so. Lowland pacas are generally nocturnal and solitary, with little vocalisation. It prefers forested areas near water, preferably smaller rivers, and digs simple tunnels about 2 m (6 ft 7 in) below the surface with multiple exits. It can also live in tunnels dug by other animals on occasion. The lowland paca is an excellent swimmer who will often flee to the water to avoid danger, as it can stay submerged for several minutes. It is also an excellent climber and forages for fruit among the trees. Because it eats leaves, stems, roots, seeds, and fruit, particularly avocados, mangos, and zapotes, the lowland paca might be considered an important seed distributor. It can sometimes be used to store food. Pacas are widespread throughout the main island but remain absent in Cailoon.

### Bush Dog

Bush dogs are native to the island but are heavily endangered with populations as low as just *110*. They are almost always documented along the western coast of the main island and trail cam footage say they comprise about 1% of all animals caught in the west coast, with most animals being white-tailed deer, marsh deer, olingos, raccoons and wild boars, some have been documented in parts of Cailoon.

### Common Raccoon

Raccoons are considered a native to the main island as well as Cailoon, being found at about 80-85% of all counties of the country. Raccoons are a common sight in Coheen and East Kutwhe City where they are seen around alleyways, houses, docks, and around waterways. Raccoon populations are heavily unknown but raccoons are very common in the country, many list the raccoons as a least concern species due to them being amongst the most observed species in the country. They favor urban areas over rural areas based on trail cam reports.

### Potcake Dog/Cailoon Dog

The potcake dog refers to a mixed-breed dog found in the Cailoon Province of Kutwhe. It gets its name from the congealed peas and rice mixture that locals used to eat, since the overdone rice that sank to the bottom of the pot was usually fed to the dogs. Potcakes have smooth coats, cocked ears, and lengthy faces, though their appearance varies. Potcakes are a common breed worldwide but originated in Cailoon, where both domestic and unowned populations coexist. The number of stray potcake dogs of Cailoon have heavily increased, with populations rising up to 15,000 unowned dogs. To control their population, the local police have poisoned, shot, and euthanized multiple dogs, but most issues were solved in more humane ways as years led up to the 21st century. At one point, almost 2,500 potcake dogs found roaming around Cailoon were shipped to Austin and Hualente in Nareemia to willing owners who'd care for them. About 51% of tourists report seeing potcake dogs on their trips to Cailoon.

### Cattle

Wild cattle are incredibly common in Kutwhe and have created herds similar to those of deer with one male and up to twenty females. Wild cattle are one of the rarest animals on the planet, but are very common in Kutwhe but remain prevalent along the western half of the mainland and Cailoon. It is unknown the exact number of cattle but up to 60,000 live on the mainland and around 72,000 live throughout Cailoon.

### Manatee

Manatees are common around the coasts, and in the seas and rivers of Kutwhe. The species is present all around the island and remain a common sight and icon to Cailoon, Kutwhe's northernmost islandic province. An estimated 50,000 manatees live in and around Kutwhe and more than half are found in the Cailoon Province. They prefer living in rivers and oceans vibrantly rich of mangroves, dragonfruit and bananas as well as having a low amount of predators.

### Falanouc/Kutwhean False Fox

Falanoucs are introduced to the island for diversity and control over rodent population. They are widespread throughout both the mainland and throughout Cailoon and can be spotted across rocky, tropical and lush forests rich of slugs, worms, leeches and insects which comprise about 65% of their diet. Falanoucs are often not seen fully and can only be seen in glimpses as they run bush-to-bush in order to not appear to tourists with mostly their back legs and tail being seen, making them commonly mistaken for red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), some refer to them as the false fox. Up to 40,000 individuals are present throughout the country. Their lengths range from 18-26 in (45.5-26 cm), their tails range from 9-10 in (22-25 cm), and their weight is usually 3¼-10 lbs (1.5-4.5 kg). Their social unit is individual and their status is *Near threatened* worldwide but *Least concern* on Kutwhe due to hunting animals being illegal and a low amount of predators present. They use their long front claws to dig in soils to hunt for worms, grubs, insects, slugs, snails and rodents. They usually have one young, and the single young, born with open eyes, can follow its mother after only 2 days and is weaned by 9 weeks.

### Ring-tailed Mongoose/Vontsira

Ring-tailed mongooses are introduced species to the island for diversity, hunting and control over rodent, slug and insect population. 2,000 individuals were released into Cailoon in 1893, but presently have a successful and quite healthy population of ring-tailed mongooses. Like how the falanouc is often mistaken for fox, ring-tailed mongooses can sometimes also be mistaken for foxes and/or red pandas, even when fully seen. The vontsira and falanouc both compete as they thrive in the same environment and predate on the same things. Their lengths range between 12-13 in (31-33 cm), their tails range between 7-8½ in (17.5-21 cm), their weight is usually between 1¼-1½ lbs (600-675 g), their social unit is individual and their status is not evaluated though they can be presumed to be *Least concern* due to a very successful population in Kutwhe.

## Small mammals

### Brown Rat

Brown rats are introduced species to the island which were probably introduced from ships and other travelling automobiles. A hugely varied, opportunistic diet, sharp senses, and great agility have enabled the brown rat to spread all around the world. "Packs" of up to 200, dominated by large males, will attack rabbits, large birds and even fish. After a gestation of 22-24 days, the female gives birth to 6-9 young in a nest of grass, leaves, paper, rags or almost any other material. The species is the ancestor of rats bred as pets and for scientific research. The brown rat is an exceptional swimmer. It catches small fish and crayfish, and crunches up water snails and aquatic insects. Up to 7 million brown rats reside in the country and are found on almost every acre of land, but most are spotted in urban areas such as East Kutwhe City.

### House Mouse

The second most widely distributed mammal, after humans, this mouse survives on a huge range of foods and lives in a family group of dominant male and several females. They communicate by high-pitched squeaks and mark their territory with scent and urine. Maturity is at 8-10 weeks, gestation 18-24 days, and litter size 3-8, with 10 litters in favorable years. The species has been widely bred for pets and scientific research. House mice are a non-native to Kutwhe, having been introduced accidentally by transport and have spread throughout the mainland island but have not yet been observed in Cailoon.

### Roof Rat

Also called the ship rat, black rat, or house rat, in early Medieval periods the roof rat spread around the world in ships or crates of cargo. It prefers plant matter, such as seeds and fruit, but it can survive on insects, dead animals, feces, and refuse. Roof rats gather in "packs" of 20-60 and may intimidate larger animals such as dogs. The basic coloration is black, but shades of brown also occur, with gray to white on the belly, and whitish or pink feet. The female produces 4-10 young after a gestation period of 20-24 days. This rat can run, climb, and swim very well, and makes a nest of twigs and grass, but often nests in a roof cavity and uses almost any material. The fleas carried by roof rats spread diseases among humans. Roof rats are not native to Kutwhe and are present on nearly every acre, including those on Cailoon, up to 5 million roof rats live in the country.

### Moonrat

Moonrats are introduced species to Kutwhe, being found only throughout the mainland island, they were introduced for diversity in the country's forests. Like other moonrats (gymnures), this species makes a territory-marking scent likened to rotting onions. It resembles a combination of hedgehog and small pig with harsh, rough, spiky outer fur, streaked with black and gray-white, and a long, scaly, almost hairless tail. Solitary, the moonrat rests in a burrow or crevice by day; at night it forages for small creatures such as insects, and also swims after fish and other aquatic prey.

### Common Vampire Bat

The common vampire bat is a strong flier, yet it can also scuttle over the ground with amazing speed and agility, propped up on its forearms and back legs. From dusk, it searches for a warm-blooded victim, such as a bird, tapir, or a farm animal-even a seal or a human. The bat lands nearby, crawls closer, bites away any fur or feathers, and laps some 1 fl oz (25 ml) of blood over 30 minutes. The common vampire bat's small, pointed, bladelike upper incisors are so sharp that its victim rarely notices as they slice away a piece of flesh about 5mm across. Its saliva preventing clotting. This bat has a communal roost in a hollow tree, cave, mine, or old building, which it shares with hundreds of others. Vampire bats are widespread through Kutwhe but most reside in East Kutwhe City.

### Black Mastiff Bat

Medium in size, mastiff bats are also called free-tailed velvety bats for their short, soft fur. This species often roosts in buildings and feeds on insects attracted to streetlights. It is more active around dawn and dusk than most bats, and roosts in the middle of the night as well as by day. Huge numbers of insects are stored in its cheek pouches and only chewed and swallowed on return to the roost. Of the approximately 30,000 caves of Kutwhe, over 33% are them are home to black mastiff bats, but most like to reside in urban areas like East Kutwhe City.

### Armored Shrew

Armored shrews are not native to the island and were partially introduced intentionally for biodiversity and partially by accident by transport. This large, woolly coated shrew, also known as the hero shrew, has a distinctively arched and tremendously strong back. This is because its vertebrae have interlocking flanges, or spines, not only along their sides, as in other mammals, but also above and below. The armored shrew is solitary, and is a skillful climber. Its diet consists of worms, insects, spiders, and carrion.

### Springhare/Kutwhean Gopher-Rabbit

Springhares are a native animal of Habouga into Owanda and are considered a non-native to Kutwhe, found in open areas. This species resembles a rabbit kangaroo with a long bushy tail and large, narrow, upright ears. It makes huge leaps, easily covering 6.5 ft (2 m) per bound. The diet consists mainly of seeds, stems, bulbs, and many other plant parts, but also includes locusts, beetles, and other invertebrates, much to the dismay of gardeners and farmers. When feeding, it tends to bend forward and lope rabbitlike on all fours. The 5 large front claws are specialized for digging, when bounding at full speed, its tail curves up; when sitting up, its tail is used as a support. The springhare sleeps resting on its haunches, head tucked between its hind legs, and the tail wrapped around the whole body. Nocturnal, it lives alone or as a male-female pair, and digs several extensive burrows. There appears to be no peak breeding season; the single young is born at any time of year and is suckled in the main breeding burrow for approximately 7 weeks. Springhares are very vulnerable to predators and can lie prey to crocodiles, humans, jaguarundis, raccoons, birds of prey, falanoucs, ring-tailed mongooses, dogs, cats and bush dogs.

## Birds

### Red-fan Parrot

This parrot is distinguished by dark red feathers that extend from the nape to the hind neck. When excited or alarmed, it raises its neck feathers to form a spectacular ruff or fan. Its long, rounded tail is also a distinctive characteristic. While perching, the red-fan parrot resembles a bird of prey, with its hawklike eyes. Usually seen in pairs or in small groups (rarely of up to 20 birds), this forest-dwelling parrot is inconspicuous but is often heard well before it comes into view. The red-fan parrot can be found throughout Kutwhe and is among the most common (and beautiful) bird species of many present in the country.

### Red-and-green Macaw

The red-and-green macaw attracts attention by its spectacular, vivid coloration and strident call. A large bird, like some other macaws it has a partly red plumage and a light blue back and rump. The long tail is tipped with blue. Its wing are blue with dark green upper-wing coverts, which give this specie its name. The juveniles resemble adults, but have shorter tails. This macaw prefers humid, lowland forests of the main island, but sometimes frequents open habitats, including deciduous forest, and is often seen perching on the topmost projecting branches of tall trees. Usually encountered in pairs or small groups, possibly family groups, it sometimes associates with other, more common, macaws, especially at earth banks, where large numbers gather to consume exposed mineral sands. In flight, red-and-green macaws call loudly to each other. This bird feeds on seeds, fruits, and nuts that are often larger and harder than those eaten by other macaws. Adult birds are killed for food or for feathers, while the chicks are taken from the nest for the live-bird trade. Macaws are 35 in long (90 cm), 1 kg, nonmigrant, and their status is *Least concern*. They lie prey to falanoucs, raccoons, potcake dogs, humans and jaguarundis.

### Rose-ringed Parakeet

This slim-bodied green bird has a rose-pink collar around its hind neck. The central tail feathers are long and narrow, and the backward-sweeping wings produce a characteristically streamlined flight silhouette. The attractive bird is not native to Kutwhe and was released by irresponsible owners where it thrived in great numbers of up to 8,600 breeding pairs (17,200 individuals).

### Green Broadbill

These plump birds have large heads and wide, flattened, hooked bills. Males are usually colored a striking green, red, pink, or blue; females are duller but can be larger than males. Broadbills feed mostly on fruit and insects, but sometimes lizards, crabs and even fish. Most feed in the midlevel of the forest, filter-sucking insects from leaves and branches. Some broadbills feed alone or in pairs, others gather in foraging flocks of 20-30 when not breeding. These birds build large, pear-shaped nests with a "porched" entrance in the lower half. Wovens from rootlets, leaves, and twigs, and often decorated with cobwebs and lichens, these are hung from inaccessible branches. Females lay clutches of 1-8 eggs.

## Fish

### White Shark

Kutwhe is home to some of the highest densities of white sharks in the world, most are confined to the bays and coastal areas of East Kutwhe City and about 40.9% of all white shark attacks and 24.6% of all shark attacks occur in Kutwhe, of the 5,000 white sharks in the world, 3,700 live in Kutwhe's waters which is 74.0% of their total population. Also known as the white pointer and the great white shark, this species is blamed for more attacks on humans than any other shark- but research shows that most human victims are quickly released. A powerful swimmer and apex predator, the white shark cruises through the water, either at the surface or just off the bottom, covering long distances very shortly. It also excels at short, fast chases, and may leap spectacularly out of the water. Like other members of its family, it can maintain its muscles at an unusually high temperature, helping it to swim and hunt more efficiently, especially in cold water. Although usually solitary, it may be seen in pairs or small groups feeding at a carcass, usually that of a dead fish, crocodile, deer or cattle that has fallen into its territory, larger individuals usually eat first. The sharks may also swim in a variety of patterns in order to establish their dominance hierarchy. The primary prey of adults is seals, sea lions, dolphins, and large fishes, including other sharks- but this species will feed on any large creatures that it can catch, occasionally, those who swim closer to surfaces or in brackish waters can occasionally catch water buffaloes, chevrotains, marsh deer, nilgai or crocodiles, and there has been an instance where a farmer in East Kutwhe City has had 6 of 20 of his cattle stolen at 3 different occasions by a white shark, where they had to relocate the shark more into the open ocean. It attacks with great ferocity initially, then may retreat while the injured returns to eat in safety. Although this species is protected in some parts of the world, including Kutwhe, it is a popular sport fish, and its numbers are dropping rapidly. All white sharks in Kutwhe are restricted to the Coheen-East Kutwhe City metro area's bays and waters, where populations of 3,713 are present, there are no occurences of white sharks elsewhere in the country such as Cailoon and the western half of the country, where they are replaced by whale sharks and nurse sharks.

### Nurse Shark

Nurse sharks are the most common species of shark in Kutwhe, being present in all saltwater regions of the country, but, while present, usually avoid the waters of East Kutwhe City and Coheen due to a large plethora and density of white sharks being present. The nurse shark has a very tough skin, and a pair of barbels below the mouth for sensing the invertebrates on which it feeds. The small mouth and large pharynx form a powerful suction mechanism, which enables this shark to draw in prey at high speed. During the day, the nurse shark spends its time resting on the seabed, in rocky crevices, or in caves, where it may be found in groups of several dozen individuals, sometimes lying on top of one another. An inhabitant of shallow, inshore areas, it can "walk" along the seabed using its pectoral fins as limbs. The nurse shark is not generally a threat to people but, if provoked, will hold onto its victim with a bulldoglike tenacity. Despite only 2,000 individuals being present in Kutwhe, they are in large densities throughout the ocean areas making them a very common sight.

### Tiger Shark

Tiger sharks are confined to the western shores and parts of the Cailoon area of Kutwhe, where they have as much as 300 individuals widespread through the saltwater areas. A known man-eater and one of the world's most dangerous sharks, the tiger shark has distinctive teeth shaped like a cockerel's comb, and a head that is disproportionately large for its slender, streamlined body. This shark generally prefers coastal waters, often moving inshore to feed at night, and sometimes exploring the very shallow waters of bays and estuaries. Recent studies, however, indicate that it may also cross large expanses of open ocean. It makes forays from the tropics to higher latitudes (Up from Kutwhe to the south coast of Kamver) during the warmer months. The tiger shark gives birth to fully developed young; females may secrete uterine "milk" to provide additional nutrition for the embryos. Although not highly valued for its flesh, it is often harvested in commercial shark fisheries. 10.0% of the world's tiger sharks live in Kutwhe. A primarily nocturnal hunter, the tiger shark has the most indiscriminate diet among sharks: it employs quick bursts of speed to catch live prey, such as fishes and a variety of marine reptiles, invertebrates, and mammals. It also scavenges on carrion, and may even feed on garbage.

### Clown Knifefish

Natives to the island's rivers, especially throughout the East River, clown knifefishes are small and large fishes that vary in size common in Kutwhe. With a body flattened from side to side, adult clown knifefishes are conspicuously hump-backed, whereas the young are relatively slender. The unusually small dorsal fin is featherlike, giving rise to the fish's other common name, the featherback. This fish swims equally well forward or backward, with an undulating motion of its large anal fin-the main propulsive organ. It has a swim bladder modified to form an accessory breathing organ, and frequently rises to the surface to obtain air. It is often seen at the surface, splashing as it rolls over; exposing its silvery flanks. They lie prey to humans, crocodiles, alligators, bull sharks, frogs, and other predatory river and freshwater dwelling creatures.

### Milkfish

Milkfish are not native to the island and have been introduced to the East Kutwhe Bay for hunting purposes, prizes, diversity and also as pets, especially to the Farma people. Milkfish, today, are confined to the East Kutwhe Bay region and lie common prey to saltwater crocodiles, monitors, and white sharks. Large and fast-moving, the milkfish has a streamlined silvery body and an unusually large, deeply forked tail. It can tolerate a wide range of salinity but spends most of its life in the sea, swimming up to 19 miles (30km) offshore to spawn. The larvae and juveniles develop in warm, coastal wetlands, in brackish and freshwater environments. Milkfish larvae are collected and cultured in ponds for food in Kutwhe, Okun and upper Owanda, adults are also prized as food fish.

### Common Carp

Common carp are not native to the island and were introduced for ornamental use to beautify the rivers and some of the citizen's ponds if they are rich. This deep-bodied, freshwater fish has been raised in semicaptivity for centuries, and introduced to rivers, lakes, and ponds in many parts of the world, with Kutwhe and Orchid Isle being places of significance. It uses its protrusible mouth to grub through the bottom sediment for plant and animal food and up to three million individuals live in Kutwhe with the exception of the northern half and Cailoon. Selective breeding has created different varieties of common carp over the centuries. Mirror carp have large scales, while leather carp have no scales at all. Leather carp are raised for food. About 49.8% of the carp in Kutwhe's rivers, lakes, and ponds are leather carp, while most of the rest are ornamental with varieties of patterns such as white with black spots and yellow with white spots.

### Upside-down Catfish

Not native to Kutwhe, but heavily naturalized, the upside-down catfish is a common sight in most rivers and lakes in the northern half of the country and throughout Cailoon. The catfish swims upside-down near the surface of rivers and streams, particularly when taking food from the surface or feeding from the undersides of broad leaves and rocks. Its diet includes plant material, aquatic invertebrates, and insect larvae. The upside-down catfish is entirely brown or brown-violet, with a series of small spots scattered across its body. Most fishes are dark above and light beneath-a pattern called countershading that serves as a means of camouflage. In this fish, the arragement is often reversed, with the underside being darker than the back. Also known as the bugeye squeaker, it makes sounds, which are possibly used to communicate with others of its species.

### Sargassumfish

A native to Kutwhe's waters, sargassumfish are widespread throughout Kutwhe's coastal reefs but remain prevalent in Cailoon, where less dangerous predators thrive. Superbly camouflaged, with highly variable coloring and patterns, this member of the frogfish family lives among drifting weed and is hence very widely distributed. It hunts prey by using its dorsal fin spine as a lure. Sargassumfishes exhibit unusually elaborate courtship behavior, with the males violently nipping and chasing the females. Except in the spawning season, adults are highly cannibalistic.

### Clown triggerfish

Clown triggerfish are a native to Cailoon's province. This exceptionally colorful, coral-reef species belongs to a family of fishes that can lock their 3 dorsal spines upright, enabling them to wedge themselves into crevices. Its head is covered with tough, protective scales, and its teeth are strong and adapted to crushing the shells of prey such as mollusks and crustaceans. Like other triggerfishes, it can be very territorial, especially during the mating season.

## Reptiles

### Green Sea Turtle

An iconic favorite and native to Kutwhe's waters, this graceful, streamlined swimmer is one of the world's most widespread marine turtles found in tropical and subtropical waters across the globe. Despite its name, it is not invariably green, but it always had distinctive, light edging to the scales on its head and limbs, and on scutes around the edge of its shield-shaped carapace. The adults graze on sea grass, mangrove roots, and leaves, but young green sea turtles are more carnivorous, also eating jellyfish, mollusks, and sponges. In order to breed, green sea turtles make their way to isolated, sandy beaches , sometimes travelling across more than 620 miles (1,000km) of open water. After mating in shallow water, the females crawl ashore after dark, laying 100-150 eggs in deep pits above the high-tide mark. The young hatch in about 6-8 weeks, but before they can reach the water, many are eaten by crabs, gulls, and other seabirds.

### Leatherback Turtle

Weighing up to 1,770lb (800kg), the leatherback is by far the largest of the marine turtles, and one of the animal world's greatest oceanic travelers. Tagged individuals have been known to cross the Marima Ocean. Leatherbacks also range into cold waters at high latitudes, thanks to a limited ability to generate body heat. Physically, they differ from other marine turtles not only in size, but also in having a narrow, leathery shell, and flippers without claws. Leatherbacks feed primarily on jellyfish, and their throats have backward-pointing spines to prevent their slippery prey escaping. They usually feed near the surface, but they can dive down to 1,300ft (400m)-perhaps as much as 3,300ft (1,000m)-holding their breath for up to half an hour. Although normally found in the open ocean, leatherbacks gather inshore during the breeding season, when males scramble for females arriving to lay their eggs. As with other marine turtles, the females have a strong homing instinct that guides them to a particular stretch of beach, and they lay eggs on dark, moonless nights to avoid being seen. The hatchlings' shells are covered with small, pearly scales, which soon disappear.

### Stinkpot (Sternotherus odoratus)

Being nasty natives to the country, stinkpot turtles are a unique species of turtle, different from many others. As a form of defense this turtle expels a foul odor from its musk glands, hence the name "stinkpot." It can also bite viciously. Rarely leaving quiet, shallow, muddy-bottomed waters, it is often covered in algae. It is active by day, but may also hunt at night, and a pair of sensory barbels on the chin may help it to find food-mainly insects, mollusks, plant material, or carrion. It is eaten by bald eagles and red-shouldered hawks, both which are not found in Kutwhe, as well as alligators and fishes such as the largemouth bass. Females nest under tree stumps or in the walls of muskrat lodges, which are not found in Kutwhe, laying 1-5 eggs at a time.

### Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

This large, dark turtle is quick-tempered, biting ferociously when threatened. It has a massive head, a small plastron, and a rough carapace, sometimes covered with algae. Inhabiting fresh and brackish water, preferably with plenty of plant life, it often lies buried in mud with only the eyes and nostrils exposed. It sits and waits for prey by day but at night is an active forager, lunging with its mouth open to engulf small mammals, birds, fishes, invertebrates, and plants. Mating may occur without preliminaries, but rituals in which the male and female face each other with necks extended have also been seen. Females lay one clutch of 20-30 eggs in a season, in a flask-shaped nest, often in a muskrat lodge; they can retain sperm from one breeding season to the next. Cailoon, Kutwhe's northern and off-shore touristic province, has a major snapping turtle problem in which, about 20 snapping turtles are found per sq km.

### Red-footed Tortoise (Geochelone elegans)

Red-footed tortoises are attractive tortoises not native to Kutwhe and were brought by ship from Mako Mako and The Marima Islands. The genus *Chelonoidis* includes the world's biggest tortoises, as well as many smaller species, such as the red-footed tortoise. Its legs are marked with splashes of red or yellowish orange, and the shell-in with a constriction in the middle. Like most of its relatives, the red-footed tortoise lives mainly on plant food, such as leaves and fallen fruit, but it also scavenges animal remains. Females lay clutches of 2-15 nearly spherical eggs several times a year.

### Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus)

Originally brought to Kutwhe as well as Nareemia and Mako Mako as pets, this python is the world's longest snake and may weigh up to 440 lb (200 kg). It has a yellow or tan body with black markings, and prominent heat pits along the jaws. It can swim well but spends more time on land than in water, seldom straying far from its den. The reticulated python eats birds, mammals and, very rarely, humans, though no records for human attacks were reported in Kutwhe. The female lays and broods 30-50 eggs in hollow trees and underground chambers. The python may live up to 30 years. It is widely hunted for its skin and larger individuals are becoming increasingly rare, between 30,000 - 150,000 individuals exist in Kutwhe.

### Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)

Copperheads are an introduced species to Kutwhe. The copperhead is boldly marked with chestnut-brown or orange bands on a gray, tan, or pinkish background. In spring and fall, it basks during the day, but it becomes nocturnal in summer. The viper lies practically hidden among dead leaves or rocks waiting to ambush rodents, frogs, lizards, and invertebrates, using the heat-sensitive pits between its eyes and nostrils to locate prey in total darkness. Its bite is venomous, but rarely serious for humans. The female gives birth to 1-15 young every other year.

## Insects and Invertebrates

### Medicinal Leech (Hirudo medicinalis)

Most leeches capable of penetrating human skin lives in tropical rain forests, but *Hirudo medicinalis* lives in temperate freshwater, and grows to over 12 cm long. It was once commonly used by the medical profession as a bloodletting agent. When it bites, a leech may inject both anticoagulants and anesthetics. Medicinal leeches are found throughout the main island but remain absent from Cailoon and has a spotty distribution around East Kutwhe City.

### Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina)

Distinguished from bristletails by their widely separated eyes, and 3 equally sized tails (cerci), silverfish have elongated, flattened bodies, often covered in silvery scales. There are about 570 species in 6 families; some kinds are a familiar sight in houses such as the silverfish. The common silverfish emerges only at night, prefers damp places, and can be found in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements worldwide.