Common Sriv

## Species

Wundes wundes

The common sriv (Wundes wundes) is the largest of the true srivs and one of the most widely distributed members of the order carnivora, with the albu being similar.

## Description

The common sriv has an elongated body and relatively short limbs. They are covered in a reddish, brown, black, or grey fur depending on the subspecies and its habitat. Melanistic and leucitic individuals have been documented, although not common and have been found in most of its native range.

They are very agile sulids, being able to jump up to 1.5 m (5 ft) into the air. They are also very capable swimmers, although most avoid rivers. Their skulls are elongated, with females having smaller muzzles than males.

On average, adults can measure between 30-45 cm (1.1-1.4 ft) tall at the shoulder and 50-90 cm (1.6-2.9 ft) in body length with tails measuring between 26-38 cm (10.2-14.9 in) in length. Their ears are relatively short compared to other srivs, with their ears being most similar to the related Arctik sriv. Their weight can range from 3.1-11 kg (6.8-24.2 lbs) with females typically being 12-20% lighter than males. They typically trot at an average speed of 8 km/h (4.9 mph) and can run at speeds up to 35 km/h (21.7 mph).

Common srivs in Maria are typically lighter built than those of Poran and Tanisea, however this is not always the case. The species is subject of Bergmann's Rule, with individuals found further north being larger than those found further south.

## Distribution

The common sriv is found natively across Maria, Poran, and Tanisea, being restricted to the northern hemisphere. They have also been introduced to southern Galand in Maltis.

They are found in a wide range of habitats across their native range. They inhabit tundra, grasslands, temperate forests, tropical forests, deserts, and savannahs.

## Behavior

Common srivs are very skittish in nature, however they are also very curious animals. They are solitary in nature and form permanent mating pairs, in which they will share a den. They are scared of most animals larger than them with the exception of some domestic rets in which they are often curious, but still skittish around.

They are opportunistic omnivores, eating a wide variety of small animals such as mammals and reptiles. They often forage for berries and fruits and have been documented eating carrion. They defend their prey from other animals, however larger predators such as skuts and other sulids may chase them away from their own kill.

They are territorial in nature, marking their territory with their feces. Territories can range greatly in size depending on the habitat, with the smallest territories being around 12 km2 (4.6 sq mi) and the largest being well over 80 km2 (30.8 sq mi). They defend their territory from intruders, often resulting in small skirmishes in which the loser leaves the area.

They communicate with one another in a variety of ways, most commonly through posture and movement of the tail. However, they also vocalize with barks, chirps, growls, and a variety of other sounds. They are one of the most vocal sulids with the exception of the domestic ret.

## Mythology

In most cultures, srivs are seen as sneaky or sly animals. They may be characterized as thieves or tricksters in fairy tales, however this is not always the case. In some cultures, srivs are sneaky, but may still be worshiped religiously, especially in the various cultures in Nakaiwaki.