Rugtaime

About

Common Names

Rugtaime (Iskandean), Jumping Lizard

Rugtaime are native of Pto Hiem. The lizards are capable of jumping up to 5 times their body length, a fact that leads to their common name.

Description

Classification

Reptile

Size

<--number--> kg (<--number--> pounds), 1 metre ( feet, inches) height at shoulder, 1.5-2 metres (feet, inches) length nose to tail.

Appearance

The lizards have mottled greens and browns in their scales, and change shade gradually with the season, being darkest in the winter. Their hindmost limbs are much longer than their forward two pairs and they have a hopping bipedal stance.

Sexual dimorphism

Rugtaime are a sexually dimorphic species, with the males being about a third as large as the females.

Variance

No significant variation exists.

Ecology

Habitat

Significant wild populations exist on the island of Pto Hiem in the Isk Archipelago. They are found on most of the islands, due to being spread about for domestication.

Diet

Rugtaime are herbivores, which eat a variety of grasses, fruits, and shrubbery leaves.

Behaviour

Social Grouping

In the wild Rugtaime form family groups of 6-12 members.

Temperament

Wary, will flee from perceived threats.

Intelligence

Animal

Reproduction

After mating, females will lay a clutch of nearly two dozen eggs in loose sandy soil, which are left to develop unattended. After hatching, the young will emerge and join the first social group of juveniles and adults they encounter. due to the wandering nature of the species this group may be unrelated to any adults in this found group.

Domestication

General

They are farmed for two purposes; as a food stock, and for their hides. Their hides make excellent leather, and as such are used in many products from the isle’s leather working industry.

Resources

Meat and Leather