Horned Fou

## Species

Ceratochoerus kapros

The **horned fou** (*Ceratochoerus kapros*) also known natively as the **Ungti** or **Hatungi**, is a species of mueid native to much of northern Maria.

## Description

The horned fou is distinguishable from other mueids by its horn that extends from just above the eyes. The purpose of the horn is assumed to be for fending off predators. They are typically 65 to 95 cm (25.5 to 37.4 in) tall at the shoulder and around 155 to 190 cm (61.0 to 74.8 in) in total length. On average, both males and females weigh between 100 to 245 kg (220.4 to 540.1 lbs), however this can vary depending on habitat.

The horned fou typically has a light brown or brown colored fur, that is typically darker and thicker along the back as well as the tip of the tail. Their horn extends straight form their skull, almost parallel to their snout, and is around 20 cm (7.8 in) in total length, which is slightly longer than their tusks which are around 15 cm (5.9 in) in length.

## Behavior

Compared to old-world mueids, the horned fou is less social, living in groups of 2 to 4 individuals, consisting of one dominant male and one to three females and their offspring. They are omnivorous, eating roots, fruits, leaves, grass, flowers, and sometimes insects, fish, and smaller animals.

## Horn

The exact purpose of the horn is uncertain. It was originally suggested that the horn was a form of sexual dimorphism before the species was better understood, however both males and females possess the horn, and in both cases the horn is relatively the same size. It was also suggested that males used the horn to joust with one another to compete for mates, however this has never been observed and has been neglected. The last remaining assumption is that they use the horn to fend off predators. Whether this is true is unclear, but until further research is done, it is the most logical and likely option.

## Distribution

The horned fou is found across much of the continent of Maria. it is found throughout most of the plains as well as the taiga of the continent.

Some of the native range of the horned fou coincides with the invasive range of the wild fou, however whether they compete with one another has yet to be observed. It is possible that since both species are omnivorous and eat a broad range of things that they don't compete with each other and choose different available foods.

## Native legends

In many native tribes, the horned fou is referred to as the Ungti or Hatungi.

In the Mesu legend of Canama Rock in Tora, it is said that a large ungti chased a group of boys. Eventually, when the boys grew tired, the ground shook and a large tree stump grew from the ground, lifting the boys upwards into the sky. The large ungti, agitated, raked its horn and tusks along the sides of the stump, trying to get the boys. Eventually, the ungti grew tired and left the boys alone, and they were able to safely return home on the back of the Sunama, a sacred bird in many indigenous cultures.

A similar Jonasa legend regarding Basa Canyon in Tora tells the story of a large and hungry hatungi searching for food along the river, and sensing that there were many roots in the mountainside, it began digging, using its snout, tusks and horn to probe for roots, a possible explanation to the canyons many straight caves that dot the sides of the cliffs.