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Intent
To create a fun and interesting species that may be used as a pet for roleplayers of the site, and expand on existing lore.
Biology and Habitat
The Margay, or "sand cat", is a feline species native to Sullust. A planet known for it's harsh rocky deserts and black mountains. Much of the surface volcanic in origin, the sands of these deserts tend to be shades of black and grey due to the erosion of the planet's basaltic landscape.
Because of this, margays have evolved to have dark fur, resembling that of a panther. Sometimes these markings can be nearly impossible to distinguish from the fur itself, making the creatures appear jet black.
Several fur patterns have been observed, generally shades of grey and other darker colors. Light grey fur is common in the planet's Southern deserts, as the environment there tends to be more ashen in appearance. These spots can either be darker or lighter than the fur itself, allowing for various patterns. Albinos are possible, but none have been observed in the wild. Eyes tend to be a dark red, but shades of yellow and orange have also been noted to occur.
Size differs between the Northern and Southern variants of the species. The black margays of the Northern hemisphere tend to be larger, ranging just short of a meter in length, with tails as long as seventy six centimeters, and an average height of half their length. The lesser grey Southern variants are found to be only three quarters of a meter in length at max, and can even be as small as eighty centimeters. Again, the greys average half their length in height.
The margay's canine teeth are large, around two to three centimeters. Claws are between one to two. Whiskers vary depending on the individual, but are at least four centimeters. Very long whiskers are apparent in both species, at nearly double that length in some cases.
Lifespan is around twenty to twenty five years, thirty in captivity.
Diet
Margays are strictly carnivorous, and typically prey on small mammals on their home planet. While owners of the breed sometimes feed them raw meat, margays will always choose to catch their own meals if given the chance.
Breeding
Just like any other mammal. On average Margay's have been known to produce litters of between six to eight kittens, but litters of nine and above have been seen in both the wild and captivity.
Little to no experimentation has been tried in cross-breeding with other species, but other small felines seem plausible in any case.
Communication
Margays communicate largely through body language between one another, but are capable of producing various sounds that resemble that of their prey so that they may lure them in. This does not apply to sentient speech however, just the sounds of other animals.
In captivity they have been known to imitate sounds that please their masters, and can be trained to vocalize many different animal calls. Making them ideal pets for hunters of rare and exotic species.
Temperament and History
Margays are fairly new to the world of domesticated animals, and are therefore prone to wild tendencies unless strictly trained from birth.
First domesticated three centuries ago by the Sullustan natives who realized their potential in the hunting trade the margay has since become sought after by exotic pet collectors and royals, who value the pure light grey or pure black varieties the most. Yet hunters still remain the most common purchasers of the cats. As would be expected, margays are quite expensive given the demand. Cubs typically run between fifteen hundred to three thousand credits depending on the color, and adults with several years training can be upwards of ten to twenty thousand.
Strengths, Weaknesses, and care for your Margay
Due to the hostile environment of Sullust, a planet who's air is unpleasant to most species, containing various traces of poisonous gasses and high temperatures, Margays prefer hot dry climates. Anything below fifteen degrees Celsius (sixty Fahrenheit), Margays will grow uncomfortable and irritable. Anything still lower in temperature may cause them to become ill. Humidity is also to be avoided as they tend to develop coughs in such areas, and will even develop pneumonia if exposed to humid climates for too long, their lungs filling with fluid.
Some Margay owners counter this by fitting them with rebreathers and custom clothes for colder environments.
Idea stemmed from real world variant.
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