Sawjaw

About

Common Names

Sawjaw

Classification

Mammal

The Sawjaw is a amphibious mammalian predator that lives along the coasts of Anexea, migrating with the seasons between summer and winter hunting territories. Sawjaws are hunted by some peoples for their hides and as a source of food.

Description

Size

700 kg (1500 pounds), 3-4 m ( feet/inches) length.

Appearance

The Sawjaw is has a long body with four legs ending in clawed and webbed feet, and and a long flat profiled tail used for swimming. Their head has a long snout with a brace of serrated teeth along long jaws, and is attached to their body by a short stout neck.

Sexual Dimorphism

Adult male sawjaws are about 25% larger than females of a similar age. In addition males tend to have a pronounced dorsal head crest of keratin. A smaller, barely notable, structure is present on females.

Variance

There are several distinct species of sawjaws, differentiated by size, colouration, and regional territory.

Ecology

Habitat

Saltwater, Coastal Wetlands, and Shorelines in temperate to arctic latitudes

Diet

Sawjaws eat a variety of fish, birds, and other animals they hunt for in coastal waters and along shorelines.

Behaviour

Social Grouping

Family pods 6-12 members

Temperament

Aggressive

Intelligence

Cunning Animal, Sawjaws are capable of working in pods to hunt collectively greater sized and numbered prey.

Reproduction

Sawjaws mate in mid-winter and migrate north in summer to areas of bountiful prey to give birth to their young. The new born sawjaws are weaned of their mother's milk and capable of independent hunting after four months. They grow slowly, only reaching sexual maturity at about 6 years of age.

Notable Sub-Species

Greater Sawjaw

The greater or Northern Sawjaw is notable for adults reaching up to 5 meters in length.

Corinthean Sawjaw

This species of sawjaw is found along the coasts of Corinthea and migrates between northern and southern tropical waters

Double Crested Sawjaw

This species of Sawjaw is named for the male's dorsal crest forming a pair of peaks.

Eastern Sawjaw

This species of Sawjaw is smaller than average, reaching only 2 meters in length as adults. They are also found on the north and north-eastern coasts of Anexea.

Domestication

General

Efforts to domesticate these creatures have met with difficulties due to their migratory instincts and aggression.

Resources

Meat, Hides, Teeth