Comparative physiology of the Iridonian Zabrak (Zabrakii Vulgaris) and Dathomirian Zabrak (Zabrakii Fatalis)
By F. Silvestris, P. Leo, F.S. Cattus, L. Lynx, P. onca
Zabraks are sentient, medium-sized bipedal feliforms native to the outer rim planet of Iridonia. The two extant species the Iridonian Zabrak and Dathomirian Zabrak diverged around 20 million years ago, with speciation continuing after the advent of space-travel.
Similar to mammals, Zabraks are warm-blooded and have hair (regressed in Dathomrians) but do not lactate, lacking both nipples and mammary glands. The female breast is a result of sexual selection, with fat storage being an indicator of fitness. Infants are born toothless and eat pre-digested food that is regurgitated by adults.
Dathormirans are obligate carnivores and lack the ability to taste sweet foods. Iridonians are omnivorous and eat small amounts of plant matter. Both species are red colour blind, have sharp canines, and predominantly eat meat, suggesting they diverged from a common carnivorous ancestor.
Dathomirians are crepuscular and sleep up to 12 hours a day, they do most of their hunting at dusk and dawn. Iridonians are diurnal and sleep 7-8 hours a day.
Fossil footprints indicate ancient Zabraks live in packs of up to 10-20 individuals. They are persistence hunters capable of running at moderate speeds over great distances. Modern Dathomrians are able to kill without tools, using their powerful jaws to crush the prey’s windpipe and hold the throat closed until the animal suffocates. This allows them take down animals much larger than themselves. Dathomrians have a hunting success rate of 80% but they are often robbed of their kills by larger animals, such as the Sabre-toothed Fossa.
Zabraks process a sensory ability that is not well-understood by science. Anecdotal evidence show that the Dathomirians are able to coordinate their hunts with incredible precision, locate their prey and avoid predators even when devoid of sight, smell and sound. This ability seems similar to fish electroreception, but the organ responsible has not been identified.*
In Dathomrians, infants of both sexes are born with disruptive colouration which camouflages them from predators. The female pattern fades with the onset of puberty while males retain their colouration. Males accentuate their naturally-occurring stripes with tattoos, which provides camouflage, tribal identitfiers and aesthetics. ——–
*1 At the time of writing “the Force” was not common knowledge or widely studied.
> 0500h Finished patrol of Veragi Trade Route. Issued 5 citations for mechanical violations + 2 reckless flying. All well. > 0626h Refuelled at Dantooine spaceport. > 1334h Entered the Outer Mandalorian Border to investigate disturbance. Fantailintercepted unregistered Chasm-class shuttle belonging to unknown militia. Found illegal contraband [redacted]. All Chasm-crew were found [redacted]. Strong evidence of [redacted]. > 1415h 2 survivors, aliens of unknown species, brought aboard the Fantail for medical treatment and questioning. Cpt. Shrike
- Mandalorian sign language is based on NZ sign language - I was inspired by the amazing deaf Din Djarin AU “The theory of harmony” by @r0b0tb0y - also paying homage to the deaf Hawkeye Marvel comics by Fraction and Aja - the Crew’s tattoos are inspired by ta moko . The lines are comprised of hundreds of microscopic designs unique to the individual.
> Mandalore restored! After decades of turmoil, Mand’alor the Unifier brings order to the lawless Outer Rim under the New Mandalorian Republic.
>Although his people prosper, Mand’alor Djarin has declined to join the New Republic under the leadership of Prime Minister Organa, choosing to pursue a policy of strict isolationism.
- Mandalorian Sign Language was inspired the AMAZING deaf Din Djarin AU “The Theory of Harmony” by @r0b0tb0y. My version of MSL is based on New Zealand SL and US military signs. Most Mandos only know combat-related signs and few are fluent speakers.
- the tattoos on Jambe Shrike’s chin are inspired by ta moko . The lines look simple, but they are actually comprised of hundreds of microscopic designs unique to the individual.
- the Fantail ships are named after my 2nd favourite bird. They are fast and acrobatic, similar to their namesake.
