Aitian Puffball
| Aitian Puffball | |
|---|---|
| |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Location | Forest, grasslands, urban |
| Discovery | 2112 CE |
| Conservation Status | Data Deficient |
| "The Perfect Aitian Family Pet!" |
| —(Discontinued marketing material) |
Physical Attributes
The Aitian Puffball, sometimes known as Lowland Scavenger, is a small mammal indigenous to the temperate forest regions of Aite as well as some low lying grasslands. The Puffball is characterized by its large, black eyes, rigid four-toed feet, and their recognizable thick, downy fur. Their fur appears in many patterns and shades, including brown, tawny, red, calico, and black. They average in length between 7 and 12cm.
Puffball morphology has adapted for digging and burrowing as a primary, but they have been known to climb up to 173cm in pursuit of prey.
Sexual dimorphism manifests primarily in size, with females being up to 20% larger than the average male.
Behavior
Females and young will congregate in underground burrows during the day while adult males make individual nests at or close to the surface. During night activity all individuals interact without concern for gender or family origin.
Wild Puffballs are skittish and will avoid contact with sapient races, while domesticated and urbanized individuals are more friendly and affectionate.
Diet
Their diet consists of small berries, seeds, and ground insects, making them omnivorous.
Cultural Significance
An cursory attempt to domesticate the Puffball for the purpose of commercial pet sale was initiated and ultimately abandoned due to mounting health concerns [1] , [2]. Due in part to this effort and encroaching settlements, the Puffball has begun inhabiting cities and residential areas of minimal traffic.
Animal intelligence testing has been minimal following the discontinuing of sale, but amateur records document the use of basic tools in puzzle solving, cooperation between individuals for communal benefit, and subversion of testing expectations in the presence of unknown observers.
