Ulina Wildlife Foundation

The Ulina Wildlife Foundation (UWF) is an organization founded by the government of Vau'sena. It was made to research and document the plant and animal life of Ulina. It has headquarters in Hokihakehaka, Kuwhara, Federal Kingdom of Vau'sena.

## Animals

### **Ripiero**

#### Crimson elk

The **crimson elk** (*Cervus rubrus*) or the **great red deer** (Donatese: велики црвени јелен / *veliki tsrveni yelen*), sometimes called the **Donatese elk**, is an endemic species of deer in Donat and one of the largest species within the deer family. Its natural range encompasses nearly all of Donat and the region of West Pokoska inside the Rutherland. Normally, it resides in forest habitat, though it easily adapts to mountainous and grassy areas. Crimson elk are typically aggressive when threatened and have a low patience threshold. Despite this, they are usually calm while grazing. The crimson elk is characterized by its pale peachy color and muddy red hooves and antlers. On average, it is around 2 meters tall(male, at shoulder) and weighs 390kg(male). Although it has been hunted for sport, it is a sacred animal in Vera and Donatese mythology. It is the national symbol of Donat and is present on the coat of arms of Donat, along with the coat of arms of the State Union.

**STATUS:** Low Risk

#### Devil's herb

The **devil's herb** (*Deceptores*; Donatese: злодушица / *zlodushitsa*) refers to a family of insects native to the Great Plateau in Donat, though they have also been observed elsewhere in the peninsula. They are thought to be related to the order of *Phasmatodea* (stick-bugs). Devil's herbs are capable of mimicry and rely on it to survive and capture prey. The first half of their outer layer appears as a roselike shape with black grapples protruding from the core, which are meant to resemble flower stamens. The second half of the outer layer contains the visible exoskeleton which connects to the lower layer. The lower layer consists of the rest of its exoskeleton and its legs; both of which are buried into the ground during feeding and dormancy. The devil's herb can release chemicals; the scent of which attracts pollinators and similar insects, which it then captures and devours through its outer layer.

Nymphs of the devil's herb hatch from eggs. These nymphs resemble mature forms of the devil's herb, albeit smaller in size. They burrow their lower layer into the ground and immediately begin with the process of feeding by releasing chemicals that attract pollinators. Because these insects are their natural diet, devil's herbs burrow themselves among flowers and shrubs. Sometimes, devil's herbs may become immobilized to a buildup of excrement around its burrowed lower layer, which leaves them unable to mate. Its method of capturing prey is similar to that of a Venus flytrap; it closes its roselike organ quickly after coming into contact with its prey and digests it by dissolving it with secretions.

In Donatese mythology, devil's herbs were thought to be the harbingers of malghosts (demons). For this reason, their consumption was looked down upon. In recent centuries, though, their outer layer, when fried, is seen as a regional delicacy. In temples, they are burned as offerings and to cleanse the world of sin.

**STATUS:** Low Risk

### **Kanita**

#### Red Pelican

The **red pelican** (***Pelecanus kanitensis***) is a bird of the pelican family, Pelecanidae, one of three species found in North Kanita and one of two that feed by diving into water. It is found along the channel from Jork and Brad Islands to the mouth of the Klenvarian Isl., and along the Lestovian Coast from Nordgis north-east coast to northern Pahlaco. The nominate subspecies in its breeding plumage has a white head with a yellowish wash on the crown. The nape and neck are dark maroon–red. The red pelican was described by a zoologist from Brad Island, Lyugovìn Parz in the 1697.

The red pelican is the smallest of the eight extant pelican species, but is often one of the larger seabirds in their range nonetheless. It measures 1 to 1.52 m (3 ft 3 in to 5 ft 0 in) in length and has a wingspan of 2.03 to 2.28 m (6 ft 8 in to 7 ft 6 in). The weight of adults can range from 2 to 5 kg (4.4 to 11.0 lb), about half the weight of the other pelicans found in the Kanitas, the Klenvarian and Lestovian white pelicans. The average weight in Nordgis of 47 females was 3.17 kg (7.0 lb), while that of 56 males was 3.7 kg (8.2 lb). Like all pelicans, it has a very long bill, measuring 280 to 348 mm (11.0 to 13.7 in) in length.

The red pelican is a piscivore, primarily feeding on fish. Menhaden may account for 90% of its diet, and the anchovy supply is particularly important to the brown pelican's nesting success. Other fish preyed on with some regularity includes pigfish, pinfish, herring, sheepshead, silversides, mullets, sardines, minnows, and topminnows.

**STATUS:** Low Risk

#### Hrozavan Eevee

The Hrozavan Eevee is a species of fox native to Hrozava, and Kladiow. They are often found in Hrozava's forests, and on its harshest peaks. Eevees are known for their unique ability to react to the Dynamax stones found throughout the nation and change their form to become Gigamax Eevees. Gigamax Eevees are known for their massive size, and large amounts of fluff.

**STATUS:** Low Risk

### **Ailou**

#### Chorr Jungle Elk

The Chorr Jungle Elk is a species of elk native to northern Ailou. The Chorr Jungle Elk is the national animal of Chormen, even being featured on the state flag of Nikarea. They are a protected species in Chormen, but not in Arepa. They were discovered by a Chorr scientist named Alexsei Abdulov in 1623.

Its range has shrunk significantly due to increased activity in the area, however they can be found in most jungles on Chormen, Miuli and Arepa. They use their antlers to traverse the jungle, breaking apart vines, leaves and shrubbery. They range from around 178-496 kg in weight.

The Chorr Jungle Elk is an omnivore, eating primarily shrubbery and leaves but have been observed hunting small mammals.

**STATUS:** Endangered

#### Ailouan Black Whale

The Ailouan Black Whale is a species of whale native to Ailou and western Tokaroka. They generally live in Ailou, primarily western and northern Ailou, however they travel to western Tokaroka, off the coast of Uraj Ah and Athilia to give birth. They are the species which is known for its unnatural whale fall patterns off the coast of Arepa.

They avoid the interior of Ailou due to increased fishing and less room. They are considered endangered. They were discovered by a Kuninese scientist named Osuke Akagi in 1878. They are black and quite large, ranging from 100 to 140 tons on average.

The Ailouan Black Whale is a carnivore, eating primarily krill. Increased krill population is one theory as to why whale fall is so common off the coast of Arepa.

**STATUS:** Critically Endangered

#### Caped Jaguar

The Caped Jaguar is a species of jaguar native to western Ailou. They got their name from their extremely long, hard, feather like back fur which gives the appearance of a cape. The "cape" of the jaguar helps them float when they tire out whilst crossing deeper waters.

They have a wide, unpredictable range due to the fact they can swim in salt water for long distances due to their "cape" The cape acts like a life jacket when they are crossing the deep straits of Ailou. They were discovered by an Asi scientist named Atamai Lata in 1692.

The Caped Jaguar are carnivores, eating primarily large and small mammals and salt water fish.

**STATUS:** Low Risk

#### Sea Bunny

*Kuini whakatōhau,* more commonly known as the sea bunny, is a species of sea slug. Discovered by Tangata Pūtaiao in 1983, sea bunnies are defined by a length of 9mm on average, and are described as having a mild temperament.

Despite eccentric variations in appearance, sea bunnies are generally described as having a tubular body, and rhinokana at their front. These chemosensory organs allow them to detect pheromones, initiate orientation and locomotion toward food. The bunny also boasts external gills of impressive structure. Located across the body, protrusions known as fuhui enable certain sensory functions and are responsible for the amicable appearance of the sea bunny.

*Kuini whakatōhau* is a species native to Ailou. Originally sighted off the coast of Whakapa, the species shows extensive distribution, inhabiting the coasts of Vau’sena, Korlan, Mudkippia, Etola, Galindia, Tuxhul, Seyhranel and Skoldyshkur.

Sea bunnies are generally concentrated in areas where there is an abundance of food, attaching themselves to submerged vegetation at the bottom of the waters.

*Kuini whakatōhau* are hermaphrodites and produce both forms of gamete: mutil and neska. They cannot fertilise the neska themselves.

##### Korlanic Sea Bunny

The Korlanic sea bunny is the most common. Their body is white, with darker rhinokana and gills.

**STATUS:** Low Risk

##### Ditasi Sea Bunny

Primarily inhabiting the north Ditasi coast, the yellow-toned Ditasi sea bunny is the second most common variation.

**STATUS:** Low Risk

##### Galindian Sea Bunny

Galindian sea bunnies are the third most common, and inhabit the outer coasts of southern Galindia and Tuxhul. Those of Tuxhul are said to have a more reddish appearance, and it has been suggested this is due to a surplus of elemental zargonium in the area.

**STATUS:** Low Risk

##### Glowing Sea Bunny

The rarest of the species, the Glowing sea bunny, was recently discovered in 2044 by Kuninese scientists. Their vivid colours have proven effective as a defense mechanism due to their ability to disorient predators. They are hunted for their colourful skin and blood, which are used in dyes around the world.

**STATUS:** Threatened

#### Handel Penguin

The Handel Penguin is a species of penguin native to the northern tip of Yharlund and southern Ailou, primarily the Handel Islands. They are sometimes refered to as the "Helmet Penguin" due to their orange and yellow heads, accompanied by a chinstrap.

They have a small range due to their extremely specific temperature needs, which is found in between Yharlund and southern Ailou. They are also the smallest penguin species in Ulina.

Handel Penguins are carnivores, eating small fish, krill and shrimp. They have also been observed eating the eggs of other penguin species, including their own species.

**STATUS:** Low Risk

### **Sivalat**

#### Rahem

The Rahem is a species of sheep native to Uraj Ah. Species in the genus of Rahem can be characterised with a herbivorous diet, tough furotin which is shed every few months, and thin hooves. Most species in the genus of Rahem are 1.5 metres long and 30cm wide, with a height of 0.5m and an average weight of 200kg.

The herbivorous diet is important to maintaining a constant supply of dilute Magentin, as the majority of the grass and other plants within a 10km radius of the Gamen contain a sufficient amount of Magentin for the Rahem to grow their furotin.

Furotin is similar to hair strands yet thicker (figure b), and instead of being composed completely of keratin, it is instead composed of compounds of Magentin and keratin. The keratin forms a thick shell around the inside of the furotin (figure c) which is made out of a mixture of gaseous cytoplasm and dilute amounts of Magentin.

The walls of keratin are similar to cell walls in plant cells, and this seems to be what prevents plants and Rahem from excess radiation exposure. The Magentin itself also helps protect the regular animal cells behind the furotin, by heating up the gas to act as a barrier of radiation. The Magentin within the furotin produces little radiation, due to it only being dilute and also being surrounded by thick walls of keratin.

The species of Rahem seem to be less affected by Magentin, and so are able to consume the plentiful vegetation available on land surrounding Gamen which other species would not be able to access.

Furotin also seems to be of a pink hue and slightly iridescent, which allows the Rahem to find their herd easier as the pink Rahem stick out among the earthy browns and greens of their habitat. Herding means all the Rahem in the herd know where the best grazing locations are and visit them regularly.

The thin hooves of the Rahem seem to aid them in navigating the steep and difficult terrain near and on Gamen, which allows them to gain access to lush greens.

**STATUS:** Low Risk

### **Yharlund**

#### Rangatira's Penguin

Rangatira's Pengin is a species of penguin native to northwest Yharlund. They are named after a famous Korlanic emperor for their royal looking appearance. They are known for their golden, spiky mohawk like crest on their head, which gives the appearance of a crown. They also have golden beaks and deep red eyes.

They have a wide range across the north of Yharlund, however it has been shrinking due to increased activity in the region in recent years. They are considered as carnivores with their diet consisting mostly of small fish, squid and krill. They are the largest consumer of marine animals among all seabirds. They were discovered by a Korlanic scientist named Ana Ingoa in 2003.

**STATUS:** Near Threatened

## Plants

### **Sivalat**

#### Rahz

The Rahz is a species of vine native to Uraj Ah that takes advantage of the heat and glow produced by the Magentin crystals to allow it to photosynthesise and survive even in depths of 1500m, where few other plants can survive. The Rahz constantly produces a flower that helps it attract insects which it uses to supplement its nutrients and hydrate.

**STATUS:** Low Risk