Garmal
Garmal are a species of hoofed ruminant ungulates, found on the Punished Plains of northern Myruthea on Magicians' End.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Garmal have some of the anatomical properties of true deer mixed with the attributes of lagomorphs. They have four legs with hooves and the structure of their heads resembles that of an ungulate, but their ears are longer and thinner and their jaws and teeth are adapted for eating the tough dry grasses of the plains where they live.
Genetics and Reproduction
Gamil habits and biology are adapted to a naturally low rate of reproduction which avoids over grazing, but if the population falls, they can breed more rapidly. They are mammals and their gestation period is three months with a mating season in early spring, so that the young are born in high summer when there is the most food.
Ecology and Habitats
Garmal are native to the Punished Plains of northern Myruthea, and are adapted to living on the arid grasslands where water is scarce. They fulfil a similar ecological role on Myruthea to the one played by Bistrelle on Tinturbean, although Bistrelle are forest dwelling and originally came from Noctaliya. But both species are small herbivores and prey species for humans and larger carnivores.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Gamal will feed on almost any vegetation that can grow on the Punished Plains but the tough local grasses are their staple diet.
Behaviour
Gamal live in small nomadic family groups which wander over extensive areas to avoid overgrazing.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Gamal are hunted by the wandering tribes of the Punished Plains. Their meat, fat and fur is all highly prized. Once, they were almost driven into extinction by over hunting but agreements between the tribes which have been in place since about the time of the Twelve Wise Ones, even though the Punished Plains never came under their control, have ensured that the population of Gamal has been maintained at sustainable levels ever since.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The species is found mainly on the Punished Plains of Myruthea but there is a southern variant which is heavier and slightly larger and can be found on the eastern plains, particularly the grasslands around Goldgrass.
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