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Description
Made up creature:
Xantheterre

Prompt: ‘You must create a creature. The scenario is: An alien creature is sent to earth. It is genetically engineered to adapt to its environment. Design the creature and name/show the adaptations the creature made to survive in the environment of your choosing.”

Class: mammalia
Order: carnivora
Family: Felidae
Genus: Xantheterre
Type Species: Xantheterre panthera

Current species present in the region:
Xantheterre panthera
Xantheterre osteoremus
Xantheterre calgerii
Xantheterre leo

The main goal of the designing and introduction of an alien species is to maintain habitat populations, remove hominin intervention (if there is) and fill empty niches. This study has already begun with implementation of the creature, with the goal to monitor the effects it has on the environment, and the attempted re-sequencing of environmental stability.

The Golden-yellow Elephant lion (Xantheterre panthera) is a newly introduced carnivorous species to the Savannah habitat. The type specimen of the Xantheterre species, the X. panthera was introduced in order to maintain elephant populations, without disruption of ecological balance within the habitat. Possibly modelled to replicate the Panthera genus, classified under the Felidae family, the Golden-yellow Elephant lion shares many characteristics to the modern day African lion. As its name suggests, it is golden-yellow in colour, an adaptation suited for the savannah environment, but may vary between grey-yellow, brown-yellow, or ochre, and occasionally, a rust red. The species does carry the leucistic and albino gene, although it is very rare. Its forward facing curved canines and large gape may be a design trait taken from extinct Feliformia, specifically all acquired and/or unique traits of members of the Machairodontinae genus, which would have used these teeth and their large gape to hunt Pleistocene megafauna. There are two sets of small horns protruding from the forehead, possibly as additional puncturing tools, but do occur in both male and female individuals. It is thus not used for sexual dimorphism. The megafauna predator niche is currently available in the environment, with the exception of hominin intrusion, so the Golden-yellow Elephant lion would be contracted to control elephant populations, and reduce the amount of habitat destruction caused by the elephants, and effectively maintain the habitat’s elephant carrying capacity, as well as allow plant populations to reach climax point once more. Maximum carrying capacity is estimated at 1-2 individuals [of Golden-yellow Elephant lions], per 50km. Note that the current environmental space available for modern megafauna is dwindling rapidly due to growing hominin populations.

With research developing on the effect elephants have on their environment, as well as the effect such actions have on the climate, the introduction of a predator that can counter the elephant population is most essential.

Design traits that have been implemented are large, rough paw pads with long, deep claws to allow the animal to latch onto the thick hide of the elephant, or facilitate in wading through bodies of water if necessary. Recent understandings regarding behavioural characteristics of the specimen indicate that, although this animal does not have an aversion to water, it does not commonly swim. Countershading is present in this species, with a light spotted pattern that varies between individuals, with more mountainous populations (X. Calgerii) having a darker pattern. The animal has moderate eyesight, and uses it to identify and hunt down large herbivores. The animal possesses a notable characteristic: its forelimbs are slightly longer than its hind limbs. This is due in part to the animal’s lack of running capabilities, and thus does not need long hind legs, however, both hind and forelimbs are very strong, to facilitate in pouncing mechanisms. The body plan does not directly follow that of its [possible] Machairodontinae relatives, but is rather slender, and minimally less robust than that of its saber-toothed clade. As of current understanding, it is unclear whether the creature is related more to the panthera genus or the Machairodontinae family, due to sequencing of various genetic resources available to our current biological scientists. This will be further studied in the mean time. Further research may be conducted in the unusual colours of the animal’s coat — that being that it is far brighter than its lion counterpart, and far more vivid than its environment. We are unsure how the vivid colouring got into the specimen’s gene code.

Notable social behaviours include:
X. panthera live either in pairs of two or a maximum group of four, and is capable of hunting down large, slow moving ungulates and elephants. With a limited stamina capacity, it can not outrun smaller animals like antelope and zebras. One adult individual will most often weigh in at 340kg, with males at ~332kg and females ~345kg.
Two to four Golden-yellow elephant lions are required to take down a young elephant bull, and three to four to take down a cow in a herd (pack mates will facilitate in the distraction of her members).

Possible negative outcomes of the introduction of the Golden-yellow elephant lion:
The animal is large, and may find itself capable of destroying lion and leopard populations, as well as raiding ungulate herds, if we find evidence that it’s running capabilities exceed our predicted models. It could also decimate rhino populations. It is thus hoped that the creature will focus exclusively on the elephants, which are plentiful, or target lone bulls or bull herds, but this is unlikely. Further study will be done once the study specimens are introduced. With elephants also being victims of ivory trades by hominin populations, the threat may be that to have a species that is designed to hunt elephants may cause the elephant populations to go extinct.

The creature possesses a notable characteristic:
It is feared that the species will outcompete many other animals in the ecosystem. It has therefor been given traits that limit its rapid growth in some way, to ensure ecological imbalances do not occur. Research into planet 364b, or Terra, shows that ecological balance is essential, otherwise, we will be unable to study the chosen savannah ecosystem, and the effects that species introduction will have on it. It is therefor critical that our test species does not prove too advanced for the ecosystem, so we have given it a limited defence system, with the brow horns and large canines, as well as sharp claws, being its predominant defence system. Defence for juveniles is an entirely spotted coat for camouflage. We will introduce or eliminate defence systems once we have gathered enough data. With a slow gestation period (19 months or 574 days) and a limited litter rate of one to two, the species grows in number very slowly, due in part to its large size and slow metabolism. The animal has a lifespan of 35-40 years, and only reaches sexual maturity at around four to six years. However, the animal will remain with its parents for six to ten years. This ensures cubs reach adulthood, which is at seven years. However, cub mortality rates are 70%, meaning most cubs will not make it to adulthood. As noted previously in the study, limited stamina capacity may allow other herbivore populations to evade any negative impacts the Golden-yellow elephant lion may have on their species. Other traits include: Poor sense of smell, and requires water more frequently than other carnivorous animals. The species does not require much food, and, with a slow metabolic system, will find itself resting often.

Method of hunting:
The Golden-yellow elephant lion is an expert at rapid lunge attacks, but due to its large size, is very poor at stalking and ambushing. It must therefore come in close range with the target, where it will surround it and pounce, latching on with its claws and digging its curved teeth into the prey, whilst other members of its group try to debilitate the prey at the ankles. If the animal manages to hold a firm grip, it will begin to tear away at the flesh, in an attempt to increase the amounts of open wounds, and/or bleed injuries. Primary targets are the flank, the ankles, and the side of the animal. If it is unsuccessful at its hunt, it will be forced to retreat, with stamina having been depleted to much for it to perform a second pounce. If hunting with a pack, other members will be able to help take down the prey item, with others of the pack distracting the herd.

Considering the rapid decline in megafauna of the ‘Holocene’ epoch due to various ancient and current hominid species, the Xantheterre is unlikely to survive in the current climate of Terra. It is clear this specimen may be better suited to the ‘Pleistocene epoch’. These geological period classifications are directly derived from research into human geological classifications. More research is being done regarding the current extinction rates of Terra.

In summary, our research has determined that ecological niches upon Terra are essential for maintaining balance in the various ecosystems present on the planet. This galactic region and its system is due to experience a complete collapse in an estimated 5 billion years, and so research until this point will be examined closely. It is noted that the planet experiences fluctuating conditions frequently, with mass dyings occurring commonly in the last 500 million years of the planet’s 4.5 billion year existence. It is hypothesised that the current ruling hominid race may be the next major cause of extinction.

Dr Salm’xn’tir Ch’^hr.
Translated to hominin text by Sk’’rmr Ol’dc.

Description
Made up creature:
Xantheterre

Prompt: ‘You must create a creature. The scenario is: An alien creature is sent to earth. It is genetically engineered to adapt to its environment. Design the creature and name/show the adaptations the creature made to survive in the environment of your choosing.”

Class: mammalia
Order: carnivora
Family: Felidae
Genus: Xantheterre
Type Species: Xantheterre panthera

Current species present in the region:
Xantheterre panthera
Xantheterre osteoremus
Xantheterre calgerii
Xantheterre leo

The main goal of the designing and introduction of an alien species is to maintain habitat populations, remove hominin intervention (if there is) and fill empty niches. This study has already begun with implementation of the creature, with the goal to monitor the effects it has on the environment, and the attempted re-sequencing of environmental stability.

The Golden-yellow Elephant lion (Xantheterre panthera) is a newly introduced carnivorous species to the Savannah habitat. The type specimen of the Xantheterre species, the X. panthera was introduced in order to maintain elephant populations, without disruption of ecological balance within the habitat. Possibly modelled to replicate the Panthera genus, classified under the Felidae family, the Golden-yellow Elephant lion shares many characteristics to the modern day African lion. As its name suggests, it is golden-yellow in colour, an adaptation suited for the savannah environment, but may vary between grey-yellow, brown-yellow, or ochre, and occasionally, a rust red. The species does carry the leucistic and albino gene, although it is very rare. Its forward facing curved canines and large gape may be a design trait taken from extinct Feliformia, specifically all acquired and/or unique traits of members of the Machairodontinae genus, which would have used these teeth and their large gape to hunt Pleistocene megafauna. There are two sets of small horns protruding from the forehead, possibly as additional puncturing tools, but do occur in both male and female individuals. It is thus not used for sexual dimorphism. The megafauna predator niche is currently available in the environment, with the exception of hominin intrusion, so the Golden-yellow Elephant lion would be contracted to control elephant populations, and reduce the amount of habitat destruction caused by the elephants, and effectively maintain the habitat’s elephant carrying capacity, as well as allow plant populations to reach climax point once more. Maximum carrying capacity is estimated at 1-2 individuals [of Golden-yellow Elephant lions], per 50km. Note that the current environmental space available for modern megafauna is dwindling rapidly due to growing hominin populations.

With research developing on the effect elephants have on their environment, as well as the effect such actions have on the climate, the introduction of a predator that can counter the elephant population is most essential.

Design traits that have been implemented are large, rough paw pads with long, deep claws to allow the animal to latch onto the thick hide of the elephant, or facilitate in wading through bodies of water if necessary. Recent understandings regarding behavioural characteristics of the specimen indicate that, although this animal does not have an aversion to water, it does not commonly swim. Countershading is present in this species, with a light spotted pattern that varies between individuals, with more mountainous populations (X. Calgerii) having a darker pattern. The animal has moderate eyesight, and uses it to identify and hunt down large herbivores. The animal possesses a notable characteristic: its forelimbs are slightly longer than its hind limbs. This is due in part to the animal’s lack of running capabilities, and thus does not need long hind legs, however, both hind and forelimbs are very strong, to facilitate in pouncing mechanisms. The body plan does not directly follow that of its [possible] Machairodontinae relatives, but is rather slender, and minimally less robust than that of its saber-toothed clade. As of current understanding, it is unclear whether the creature is related more to the panthera genus or the Machairodontinae family, due to sequencing of various genetic resources available to our current biological scientists. This will be further studied in the mean time. Further research may be conducted in the unusual colours of the animal’s coat — that being that it is far brighter than its lion counterpart, and far more vivid than its environment. We are unsure how the vivid colouring got into the specimen’s gene code.

Notable social behaviours include:
X. panthera live either in pairs of two or a maximum group of four, and is capable of hunting down large, slow moving ungulates and elephants. With a limited stamina capacity, it can not outrun smaller animals like antelope and zebras. One adult individual will most often weigh in at 340kg, with males at ~332kg and females ~345kg.
Two to four Golden-yellow elephant lions are required to take down a young elephant bull, and three to four to take down a cow in a herd (pack mates will facilitate in the distraction of her members).

Possible negative outcomes of the introduction of the Golden-yellow elephant lion:
The animal is large, and may find itself capable of destroying lion and leopard populations, as well as raiding ungulate herds, if we find evidence that it’s running capabilities exceed our predicted models. It could also decimate rhino populations. It is thus hoped that the creature will focus exclusively on the elephants, which are plentiful, or target lone bulls or bull herds, but this is unlikely. Further study will be done once the study specimens are introduced. With elephants also being victims of ivory trades by hominin populations, the threat may be that to have a species that is designed to hunt elephants may cause the elephant populations to go extinct.

The creature possesses a notable characteristic:
It is feared that the species will outcompete many other animals in the ecosystem. It has therefor been given traits that limit its rapid growth in some way, to ensure ecological imbalances do not occur. Research into planet 364b, or Terra, shows that ecological balance is essential, otherwise, we will be unable to study the chosen savannah ecosystem, and the effects that species introduction will have on it. It is therefor critical that our test species does not prove too advanced for the ecosystem, so we have given it a limited defence system, with the brow horns and large canines, as well as sharp claws, being its predominant defence system. Defence for juveniles is an entirely spotted coat for camouflage. We will introduce or eliminate defence systems once we have gathered enough data. With a slow gestation period (19 months or 574 days) and a limited litter rate of one to two, the species grows in number very slowly, due in part to its large size and slow metabolism. The animal has a lifespan of 35-40 years, and only reaches sexual maturity at around four to six years. However, the animal will remain with its parents for six to ten years. This ensures cubs reach adulthood, which is at seven years. However, cub mortality rates are 70%, meaning most cubs will not make it to adulthood. As noted previously in the study, limited stamina capacity may allow other herbivore populations to evade any negative impacts the Golden-yellow elephant lion may have on their species. Other traits include: Poor sense of smell, and requires water more frequently than other carnivorous animals. The species does not require much food, and, with a slow metabolic system, will find itself resting often.

Method of hunting:
The Golden-yellow elephant lion is an expert at rapid lunge attacks, but due to its large size, is very poor at stalking and ambushing. It must therefore come in close range with the target, where it will surround it and pounce, latching on with its claws and digging its curved teeth into the prey, whilst other members of its group try to debilitate the prey at the ankles. If the animal manages to hold a firm grip, it will begin to tear away at the flesh, in an attempt to increase the amounts of open wounds, and/or bleed injuries. Primary targets are the flank, the ankles, and the side of the animal. If it is unsuccessful at its hunt, it will be forced to retreat, with stamina having been depleted to much for it to perform a second pounce. If hunting with a pack, other members will be able to help take down the prey item, with others of the pack distracting the herd.

Considering the rapid decline in megafauna of the ‘Holocene’ epoch due to various ancient and current hominid species, the Xantheterre is unlikely to survive in the current climate of Terra. It is clear this specimen may be better suited to the ‘Pleistocene epoch’. These geological period classifications are directly derived from research into human geological classifications. More research is being done regarding the current extinction rates of Terra.

In summary, our research has determined that ecological niches upon Terra are essential for maintaining balance in the various ecosystems present on the planet. This galactic region and its system is due to experience a complete collapse in an estimated 5 billion years, and so research until this point will be examined closely. It is noted that the planet experiences fluctuating conditions frequently, with mass dyings occurring commonly in the last 500 million years of the planet’s 4.5 billion year existence. It is hypothesised that the current ruling hominid race may be the next major cause of extinction.

Dr Salm’xn’tir Ch’^hr.
Translated to hominin text by Sk’’rmr Ol’dc.