Polaclaw
Taxonomy
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Ancestors and Descendants
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Creator: Bufforpington
Habitat: Lichbreaker Beach Forests (Far Northeast Datura)
Size: 30 cm Long
Diet: Carnivore (Abomapill), Scavenger
Reproduction: Sexual, Ovoviparous
As competition with larger predators intensified on the temperate beaches of North Datura, some spangclaws migrated to the far north. With a seemingly endless supply of carrion and abomapills to feast on, they seemed to thrive. However, when winter came, many were killed off from the harsh conditions. The few that survived expressed traits that allowed them to survive the frigid winter. These adaptations included hollow hairs that were convergent with the abomapills' hairs and larger sizes. These spangclaws went on to breed and eventually gave rise to the polaclaw. Without any large plants to hang from, they have become terrestrial ambush predators. They have evolved off-white hairs to help blend in with the snow-covered sands, particularly dirty snow. Their claws have grown longer and sharper. Because they are so long, the claws make them front heavy. In order to counteract this, they walk on their claws as well as their forelimbs. Their feet have also developed claws in order to grip icy surfaces. When they hunt, they lie perfectly still. When an abomapill comes too close, it swings one of its claws at it, crippling it if the claw hits. The polaclaw then quickly finishes off its prey with its claws and mandibles. They also are known to drink the blood of the abomapill to take in the antifreeze they contain in order to increase their resistance to the cold. They also supplement their diet with washed-up carrion. They have became ovoviparous in order to protect their eggs from the frigid temperatures, only laying them when they are about to hatch.