DISCLAIMER: this species is still a work in progressWhat is a Jagu?This is an original species the Jagu. The jagu are a newly discovered species found in the vast rainforest. They’re carnivores with a diet mainly consisting of birds, small mammals, and insects. They don’t have any gender exclusive traits, any jagu of any gender can have any trait. They can stand up to 2.5-3 ft (76.2-91.44 cm) tall. On rare occasions they can stand on their hind legs in a raptor like stance and walk around. They only do this to observe areas or intimidate other predators. All of their teeth are razor sharp (they can have teeth sticking out or tusks) and have long tongues. Their main means of defense are sharp claws on all feet and they can spit scalding water. They have 2 pouches that are on either cheek and 4 (2 on each side) on the sides of their body that store the water. Their body is mainly smooth scales (like a snake’s) and some fluff around the neck that resembles a lion’s mane. There are no benefits of the mane besides for appearance. Their tails are long and very flexible. It's also a different color than the body usually matching the color of the water pouches. The tails are a very important to the jagu. They are used for balance and the jagu use it to hang off of tree branches to sleep since sleeping on the rainforest floor is too dangerous. They are nocturnal and their eyes are sensitive to bright lights. their pupils are usually slits or some can have no pupils at all. see the reference for the basic appearance details.
ColorsA jagu can be any color. They can have any markings as well. A recent discovery showed that they can even be albino
BehaviorAll Jagu have different personalities. They're really intelligent creatures. They even play and have been caught with collections of items (like flowers, rocks, bones, mushrooms, etc.) They usually stay in groups. they will only go alone for hunting purposes. They communicate with low growling noises. When in danger they will hiss especially if they're about to spit water.
MatingA jagu can have multiple partners throughout their lifetime or have one mate. it's completely up to them. Jagu of the same gender can also be mates. They do not reproduce sexually. If they want offspring they will store their love in a rock which will turn into an egg. Eggs usually take up to 2 weeks to hatch.
Visual References:
Traits + anthro/raptor stance reference coming soon
Also more lore coming soon
These are not finished yet so I ask that you not make one just yet
I will say when the species is open
Please tell me what you think!