Original Species: Megacavia (remake) by Lord-Lavrahtheen on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

The Thick-Skinned Megacavia

is a giant member of the Cavidae family that inhabits the Navia continent, located to the north of the continent of Arcadia. These massive guinea pigs evolved to fill the same role as large herbivores, much akin to rhinos or buffalo. Their thick skin is partially covered in short, but thick fur (similar in touch to a carpet). The thick hide protects them from predators and harsh weather conditions.

Megacavia possesses an additional feature: two large skin sacks located on the sides of their head. These sacks can be inflated with air, which serves a few functions:

1. thermoregulation- by inflating the sacks, the Megacavia can increase the surface area from which heat can radiate off;
2. threat/mating display - males can impress females by presenting their inflated cheek sacks or fend off would-be attackers by making themselves seem bigger than they are.

In general, the Meagacavia are fairly docile and unintelligent creatures. As long as they are not bothered, they are more than happy to spend their days just eating and sleeping. You'd think they could make for good mounts... but they are too lazy for that.