The Crakoda (Barymastus formidablis) is a species of hypercarnivorous Skut found in the northern most reaches of the Maria. They are notably one of the largest living carnivoran mammals.
Etymology[]
The scientific name, Barymastus formidablis, means "Formidable heavy beast", a fitting name for its large size and weight.
The common name "Crakoda" is thought to have root in aest or possibly native language, if not a mix of both. "Koda" in aest means Skut, so it is possible that the name Crakoda refers to "Skut who cracks ice" likely referring to its large size.
Description[]
Adult males can weigh 400-700 kg (881.8-1543.2 lbs) and measure 2.3-2.9 m (7.54-9.51 ft) in length. Adult females are around half the size of males and normally weigh 200-350 kg (440.9-771.6 lbs), measuring 1.6-2.4 m (5.24-7.87 ft) in length. When pregnant, females can weigh as much as 475 kg (1047.1 lbs). The crakoda is one of the most sexually dimorphic species of mammals. The largest crakoda on record was a 1120 kg (2469.1 lbs) male shot in Svalark. The specimen was preserved and mounted, standing a formidable 3.52 m (11.5 ft) tall, hence the species name, Barymastus formidablis.
Compared to other skuts, the crakoda is by far the tallest, and largest. They are covered in a thick layer of brown to white fur to insulate their bodies. Their feet are also covered in fur and have shorted claws to be able to grip ice. It is also much more aggressive compared to other skuts. Despite that, trained professionals have been able to get close to crakodas, all though not recommended for anyone. Crakodas have been able to be kept at zoos, although it can take years before they are less aggressive towards their keepers.
Behavior[]
Crakodas are aggressive by nature, and very territorial. They will chase other crakodas away from food they caught, and food that the other crakoda may have caught. Crakodas are rarely seen in groups larger than 3 adults, and groups like this usually consist of young siblings, or young adult(s) with their mother. Females are much less aggressive than males, can still be dangerous.
During mating season, which is during the spring, males will be hyperaggressive, attacking other males, as well as other animals that may get in the male's way. It also during mating season where a male crakoda may kill young or newly born cubs to be able to bear his own offspring with that female. An interesting phenomenon when this happens is that the female will often fight the male, and other females may soon thereafter be reluctant to mate with said male, a phenomenon not seen in other related species.
Diet[]
The Crakoda is purely carnivorous, and at the top of its food chain. Their diet may consist of fish, ramsels, small-medium sized mammals, as well as occasionally larger mammals that are harder to take down.
Distribution[]
The Crakoda is found in northern Iland, Rinuni, and across Svalark. They live in cold environments, being more commonly found above the arctik circle, however they can sometimes be found in more taiga-like environments.