Kingdom:Animalia
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Class:
Mammalia
Order:
Lagomorpha
Family:
Leporidae
Family Leporidae, the common hare or rabbit, consists of 11 genera and around 56 species, of which only two are commonly vicious: the Griger and an unnamed Amazonian species that was until recently undiscovered. In 9024 b.e., two explorers proceeded to research both species until 9027 b.e.. Herein is contained a summary of the expeditions and resulting information.
part One – Family Leporidae
The Leporidae are known commonly as the hare or rabbit. Hares (genus Lepus) are generally larger than rabbits, have longer, black tipped ears and live solitary lives. Rabbits are born naked, blind, and live inside of a nest lined with fur their first few days, while Hares are born with hair (perhaps an explanation of the name), open eyes, and they become mobile within a few minutes of birth.Most leporids are small; around 300 gm - 7 kg in weight. They generally have soft, thick fur, and their colors range from white to dark brown. Northern species may molt seasonally from a summer brown to a winter white. The ear pinnae of leporids are generally longer than wide, the limbs are long, and the hindlimbs are longer than the forelimbs and in most are created for running. Limb movement, especially the distal elements, is limited to one plane mostly. The species of leporids vary immensely in the way they move. Some are leapers and bounders, avoiding predation by outrunning the killer. Some jackrabbits have been known to run at 70 km/hr, a great speed for such a small animal. Others are slow scamperers, relying on stealth and cunning rather than speed alone to avoid capture.
part Two – Genus
Griger
Griger
are one of the only
two known
exceptions to
the leporids. To note specifically, they are large, averaging 24 kg at
the
least. In contrast to their cousins, the pinnae of the inner ear is wider
than it is long, resulting in a round face and more movement for the
mouth.
Also, the hindlimbs have more freedom of motion. It was not uncommon,
during
our travels, to see one, two, or even a family of Griger relaxing in
the upper
part of an oak tree.
The
Griger is a bounder.
Being the only
classified
genus of Leporidae that eats meat exclusively, it exhibits larger
canine teeth
than any other species related to it. This sketch of a skull done by
Aeden of
an adult Griger shows the two proximal canines, whose mesial and distal
aspects
present a triangular outline. They resemble the incisors, but are more
robust--especially in the cingulum region. These teeth provide the
tearing
mechanism with which the Griger destroys its prey before devouring.
In
order to stalk or hide
from other beasts
of prey,
the Griger can move at tremendous rates of over 83 km/hr. The size of
an average
adult’s hindlimb is directly proportionate to its speed;
thus, the larger the
limb, the faster the Griger. The fastest clocked male running across a
level
terrain during spring was 84 km/hr. We were able to catch the animal
through
means of a trap and measure it’s footpaw: an amazing .5 m
long.
Griger’s
are
generally brown,
though to the north
many greenish-grey-coated Griger were found. These demonstrated a new
phenomenon: the ability to hunt and kill in packs. During one of the
three
fascinating hunts we were able to observe, a head Griger was chosen by
a
standoff of some sort. He ran openly into the field where the
prey—two large
lizards—was sleeping, while the others spread out around the
circumference of
the field, circumventing any attempt at the prey’s escape.
The leader killed
the first with a vicious nip at its neck, and the second tried to run
away. At
this, the rest of the Grigers leapt up and took pursuit, slowly wearing
down
the stamina of the lizard. However, before the end, the reptile found a
hole
which it entered with all haste, and the Grigers had to settle for only
course
that dinner.
All
in all, the Griger is an
intelligent
species
that merits more study than we were able to devote to it. It is
cunning,
beautiful, and an enigma to the world.
part Three – Unknown Species While traveling a distant section of the world, famous explorer Dairus Novè wrote that he had observed “a cousin to the common hare, but larger. Its proportions were slightly different, it seemed more intelligent, and it was seen eating what appeared to be an enormous meal of plants, wood, and meat.” My colleague and I had determined to research this beast to the fullest extent, but during the preparations for our travel, I was detained for a time defending the country now known as Keh. Thus, our plans were thwarted, and only Aeden got to go. His trip foundered from the start, as the natives of the region (Amazonian, if I recall correctly,) were far from polite. Although he was able to catch a few fleeting glimpses of the animal, the expedition was a failure. Some day, perhaps, we will be able to return and study more.
conclusion
The vicious Leporidae can be ignored no longer. Complete evidence now exists of their existence, and the world cannot remain silent. Aeden, the Wraith Daquell, and I, Dairus the scribe (not Dairus Novè, mentioned before), have conclusive proof from extensive studies. If you have enjoyed this paper and would like to know more of the vicious Leporidae, feel free to contact either one of us. We can be reached at Keh, Section 12, Nation Cray, Triad of Davia for Aeden and Wraith Daquell, and Tempanhous, Section 2b, Old World for Dairus.
All Names, or Ideas contained in this document are (c) Wraith Daquell,
Aeden, and Dairus - All Rights Reserved.
This page last edited sometime in the third era of the world.
Some images used from other sources.
