Fauna of Etruria
From AuroraWiki
The fauna of Etruria refers to the diversity of various types of animals, often endemic, which populate a defined ground or water area in Etruria, it's surrounding areas, and islands. Lying within the northern limits of the equatorial region, the wildlife is rich and diverse due to the variety of habitats and the faunal richness of the region. The two main reasons for this amazing diversity are, firstly, that Etruria was not affected by the last ice-age (which wiped out many species from areas further north), and secondly, that Etruria forms a critical stop for many migrating species.
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Zoographic Regions
Three significant geographical barriers create divergent zoographical regions in Etruria. The western regions are relatively open grasslands and are home to several grazing herd animals. The central regions are dense rainforest and are home to a great diversity of wildlife. The eastern region's temperate forests and long term human habitation is far less diverse.
Esslyean Sea & Gulf of Etienne
Very few are aware that the North western coast of Etruria is subjected to the frigid waters flowing south from the Miereles Sea. Sea temperatures rarely exceed 65°F (18 °C), even in summer, because of up-welling deep waters with dissolved nutrients. Therefore, most sea life in around this region more closely resembles arctic, rather than tropical, biotopes. The sea off Etruria's coast is remarkably fertile, a murky green filled with fish, rather than the clear dead blue of most tropical seas. Before 2050 there was an extremely valuable sardine (herring) fishery off Tir, but this was depleted.
The deep waters of the Esslyean Sea experience some of the strongest currents in the world and this turbulent coastline offers spectacular scenery. The rugged northeastern Etrurian coastline, broken by huge fjords and thousands of islands is a wild, rugged, scenic and generally unspoiled national park. It serves as a critical southern migratory pass between the frigid Miereles and Morai Udachi and the deep waters of the Abecean. Significant numbers of breaching whale migrate through the Esslyean sea every fall, while several other whale species, such as the razorback, can be observed year round. The massive Azules Ceti (ceti meaning whale in Etrurian) subspecies is believed to be a permanent resident of the eastern Abecean along the western coast of Etruria. The high concentration of whales makes the Esslyean Sea popular among whale watching tourist.
The jagged cliffs of north eastern Etruria are home to notable populations of Round Seal that congregate, give birth, and seek refuge along the rough sea cliffs of the region. Many give birth inside sea caves that are only accessible from under water. Due to the unique cool northern currents, several animal species are found here that cannot be found at any other regions of the same latitude. This includes large kelp forests that support large populations of Etrurian sea otter, notably smaller than other species of sea otter, that are common to the deep fjords of the region. The massive blue lobster, endemic to the cool waters of the Esslyean sea, rivals many northern lobster varieties in popularity among seafood lovers. In addition to lobster, several species of crab enjoy the cool rocky coast of northwestern Etruria.
The Etrurian sea cliffs provide ideal nesting habitat for many species of sea birds such as gannets. Gannets form large, dense nesting colonies that stretch across the face of the cliff, taking advantage of every inch of available rock. Lacodonian Albatros as well as several species of sea-eagle are common to this region.
Etrurian sea lions breed from May to June on the sandy beaches of the Califia Islands, located where the Abecean mets the warm waters of the Etienne Gulf. Thousands swarm the beaches of major breeding sites on the outer islands of Amadis and Mayda. During the breeding season large populations of Abecean white sharks, arguably the world's largest known predatory fish, convene to feed on the sea lions. After the breeding season, female sea lions normally stay in southern waters while the adult males and juveniles generally migrate north for the winter.
The waters of the Gulf of Etienne are considerably warmer due to its shallow depths and warm currents from the southern Abecean. It is home to one of the largest coral reefs in the world. Despite the nutrient-poor tropical waters, the reef is home to exceptional biodiversity. Certain species of sponge found in the Etienne Reef has been long harvested for domestic uses. The gulf was once exceptionally rich in shrimp and long supported a healthy industry in Marsillia. However, shrimp populations were heavily over harvested at the turn of the century and never completely recovered. In response, Marsillia has developed a lucrative shrimp farming industry over the last decade.
The Ananeo Dolphin is a highly gregarious and acrobatic dolphin endemic to the coastal waters of the Etienne and several species of sea turtle use the white sand beaches of the Etienne coast to nest, including the large green turtle. A healthy population of sea cows can also be found in the warm waters of the Etienne. A region known as shark bay near a small atoll 12 miles off the coast of Colchis is It is an important breeding and nursery ground for fishes, crustaceans, and coelenterates. There are over 300 fish species, with one of the most numerous and diverse shark populations in the world.
The red tide is a particularly unique phenomena that occurs annually along the Etienne coast. The bioluminescent algal bloom are caused by a temporary rush of nutrient rich waters from the northern seas. This sudden enrichment allows the algea, known as dinoflagellates, to reproduce rapidly and copiously. At night this creates blue flashes of light as the waves disturb the algea. These blooms are harmless and many tourist enjoy swimming among them at night.
Western Highlands and Southwestern Plains
Several varieties of wild sheep and goat are found along the craggy foothills of the Atenian range. The Elysian Aries is hearty species of wild sheep endemic to western Etruria. They generally are found on the grassy slopes below the timberline and rarely move to the rocky areas of the mountains. The Elysian Aries is considered the closest ancestor to most breeds of domestic Etrurian sheep. Unfortunately, the Elysian Aries population has dwindled due to habitat loss from overgrazing of domestic sheep and hunting. The larger Danetian Mountain Sheep are a migratory species found throughout the Atenian range tending to move to higher elevations during the summer. Because the greater range of the Danetian Mountain Sheep and its high altitude habitat, it is the most common wild sheep in Central Danetia.
Although only an extension of the western highlands, the verdant hills of the southwestern plains are noticably less rugged. Perhaps the most numerous species of the southwestern plains is the Laconian gazelle who often graze in large numbers and are endemic to Etruria. Also endemic to southwestern Etruria are the Arcadian fox and the Auroch, a large wild stock from which the modern Etrurian breeds of cattle are believed to have descended. The calvaria, also endemic to the western Etrurian highlands, is a primitive horse that once roamed the green plains of Etruria in the tens of thousands. Only 3,000 calvaria still exist in the wild and are now protected by the Elysian provincial government. The calvaria is a tall slender breed adapted to the temperate climate of the Etrurian plains. Although they bear a clear resemblance to the Etrurian domestic horse of the same name, wild varieties have a shorter erect mane and a dark stripe that runs down the middle of the back.
Central Basin
The central basin is the most complex ecological zone in Etruria and arguably supports the greatest biodiversity in Danetia, including many rare and endemic species. The basin can be divided into three unique ecological regions: impenetrable forest, lowland forest, and the coastal swamp forest.
Impenetrable and Lowland Forest
The Impenetrable Forest, also known as the "Place of Darkness" is a large primeval cloud forrestthat occurs above 1500-2000 meters elevation near the equator, and as low as 300 meters elevation. These dense forests are home to a small population of a peculiar subspecies of mountain gorilla that are grey, notably smaller, and more aggressive than other gorilla populations. It is also home to the Etrurian subspecies of the Danetian elephant. The Danetian elephant were once common to all equatorial jungles of central Danetia, but their numbers have declined in recent times primarily due to habitat loss and pouching. The largest populations are in parts of Sam'thuma and Etruria. It has been suggested by scientist that the Etrurian and Sam'thuman varieties are actually two separate species. Differences include the Etrurian Forest Elephant's long, narrow mandible (the Sam'thuman Elephant's is short and wide), its rounded ears (a Sam'thuman Elephant's ears are more pointed), straighter and downward tusks, slightly larger size, and number of toenails.
The lowland tropical rainforest defers slightly from the cloud forest. Primary differences are due to elevation and temperature. There are an estimated 150 mammal species in the region, ten of which are primates, and more than 45 of which are small mammal species. This includes notable populations of Etrurian wolf, Ambrosian jaguar, bonobo, vervet, Danetian elephant, and Calydonian boar. There are believed to be 350 bird species and more than 200 butterfly species.
Coastal Swamp Forest
The coastal swamp forest is a flooded forest with a high canopy, dense undergrowth and has a muddy floor. It has not been disturbed very much by outside influences and so remains largely pristine as getting through this forest is called "almost impossible". It is home to significant populations of Ambrosian jaguar, dwarf hippopotamus, manatee, and flamingo.
Central Alpine
A stark contrast to the dense jungle some twelve thousand feed beloy, the central alpine region of Etruria is home to several unique species including the Atenian bear, the Atenian wolf, Atenian Hare, and the Danetian Mountain Sheep.
Eastern Highlands
The eastern highlands represent a unique ecology. Since it has been long inhabited much of the large wildlife has been displaced. Significant populations of deer, elk, dwarf blue sheep, and Morovian wolf. The region was once home to a small population of Danetian lions, also known as "black-maned lions." The Etrurian subspecies of Danetian lion only survive in zoos.
Bay of Trieste Vistula and Topal Sea
The exceptionally warm waters of the Trieste Vistula and Topal sea contains an extensive coral reef habitat that is home to over a thousand species of tropical fish. A series of shallow sand bars off the coast of Aquilea is where sting rays can be found in abundance. Sting ray species in the region can grow to over 9 feet in span and are known to leap from the water up to 10 feet into the air.
The waters are very warm and cannot support a fishing industry. However, the waters are popular among tourist and sport fishermen.
Domestic Animals
Nearly every endemic domestic animal in Etruria are strictly regulated.
Dogs
Three dogs are endemic to Etruria: the Alsatian sheep dog, the Etrurian Wolf Dog, and the Etrurian Terrier.
The Alsatian was developed specifically to herd and protect sheep. They were developed specifically for intelligence and an instinctive desire to work closely and intensely with a human handler. Alsatians have a reputation for aggression and have a known tendency to attack smaller breeds of dogs. The breeding records for the Alsatians are kept in Arcadia where the breed was originally developed.
The Etrurian wolf dog has been traditionally reserved for the nobility. It is a versatile and capable hunting dog originally used to track and bring down large game, including the now rare Danetian lion. The breed has been kept to very limited circles and is extremely rare outside of Etruria. The breed's records are maintained by the Wolf Hound Society in Arretium where the breed was originally developed.
The Etrurian Terrier was developed by Etrurian noblemen of the Elysion region for fox hunts. The dog is bold and intelligent.
A variety of Atenian dane has been used for centuries as a guard dog in Etruria. Unlike the Antaran variety, the Etrurian Atenian dane is exclusively black. Another breed common in Etruria is the Piccolo Levriero imported from southern Danetia.
Horses
There are five endemic breeds of horse in Etruria and all are the result of selective breeding of the native calveria with certain foreign stock. Each have been bred for centuries for specific purposes.
The two western breeds, the Elysian and the Arcadian, are closely related. The Elysian is believed to be a direct descendent of the calveria, domesticated by the first Etrurians. It was used as a war horse and for ranching. It considered to be one of the more refined of the hotbloods, due to its ancient stud book which allows entry of only Eysians. Elysians breed true to type, due to the purity of the bloodlines, making it valuable for upgrading other hotbloods. In Etruria the breed is considered a state responsibility. Stallion inspections are held in Arretium each August and approved stallions are required to complete extended performance tests, which rate the horses' gaits, temperament, jumping ability, and suitability over a cross country course, before being given full breeding licenses. The Elysian typically stands between 15 and 17 hands. These horses are famous for those individuals who have a golden buckskin color with a distinct metallic sheen. The horse has strong, tough, but fine limbs. They have a rather slim body and ribcage, with a deep chest. The conformation is typical of horses bred for endurance over distance. The Alsatians are lively and alert, with a reputation for being "one-rider" horses.
The Elysian has exceptional stamina, intelligence, and agility and was an equal match against Osmani calvary. As the emphasis of mounted calvary in Danetia changed from mobility to brute force, the need for a heavier horse became clear. The first attempt to develop the Elysian for size and strength resulted in the larger Arcadian. During the reign of Tiberius Rex Rumericus, the prominent Buccephalia stud farm was ordered to develop a new calvary horse based on the Arkadian hunting and ranching horses, which had at that time gained a reputation for stamina, boldness and amenable personality suitable for battle and loyalty to their riders. Naturally, the Arcadian is slightly taller and heavier built than the Elysian. Unlike the Elysian, the Arcadian may be bred with Versians, etc, etc and occasional variations in color are permitted.
The Atenian War Horse is a warmblood developed in the sixteenth century by breeding the Alsatian with the heavier Versian to create strongly-built, compact horses for heavy calvary use. Atenians are exclusively grey. The Atenian registry is maintained by the Imperial Guard at Tarquinia.
The Alsatian is a ranching and pleasure horse related to the Atenian. It is stable and easy to ride saddlehorse and is one of the most common breeds in Etruria.
Cattle
The Elysion Highland is the only endemic breed of cattle in Etruria. They are a short haired silver-white that becomes gradually black toward the neck, ears, feet, and tail. Males are generally darker than females. Although not as large as their wild counterparts, the Etrurian Auroch, the Elysion Highland are a large and hearty breed. Their digestive systems have the ability to utilize poor quality and limited quantities of food and water. They are robust, unpretentious, easy-calving and long-lived. The breed is raised primarily for beef. Large aggressive bulls are bred in Torintiza for use in bull fighting.
Large numbers of longhorn and dairy cattle from Karsos have been imported as well as varieties of cattle breeds from northern Danetia. These northern breeds were generally used in the Etrurian alpine regions were other breeds would not survive the unusually colder mountain climate.
Sheep and Goats
The Torantan, developed in the village of Toranto near Tir in western Etruria, is a endemic sheep noted for producing exceptional quality wool. In addition, the Atenian goat is prized for its wool.
