Catguice


 * "Koori" redirects here. For the Oklahomoa furry fan, see Koori Kitty.

Catguice (Catherine K.) created the Koori species.

Koori (koo-rē) are a creation of Catherine K.. A Koori is a species of creature that has the appearance of a bipedal digigrade mammal with large arms on the sides of it's head. Koori typically live 45 to 50 years and reach maturity at age 9. The average height of a "Common" Koori ranges from about 4 feet to 5 feet and 3 feet to 3.5 feet for Jungle Koori.

Anatomy
Koori are predominantly biologically similar to Monotremes but have similarities to Ungulates, Lagomorphs and Felines as well. Most of their bodies are covered in a dense, plush layer of fur that more resembles wool. They typically keep their fur short and trimmed, but some may grow it out longer in areas. A "Common" Koori's coat may be one of many colors including Browns, Golds, Reds, Monochromatic shades and even de-saturated blues, greens, pinks and purples. Jungle Koori are more limited in this regard, and are mostly browns or greys with grey, black, white, tan and/or brown markings. Koori come in various natural markings and patterns with an exception being stripes. Jungle Koori may possess stripes, but are very limited as to what kind and how many.

There are 3 fingers and one thumb on each hand. There are three toes on each foot. They have soft, tender pawpads on the palm of each hand, but not on their feet. They have very short, flat nails on each of their fingers and toes. They are see-through and barely visible.

A Koori's ears are located on both sides of their head near the base of each arm. The opening is fleshy and shallow but begins to curve into a deeper, more conical shape closer towards the skull where the ear canal itself it located. The fleshy outer ear opening is lined with small cartilage ridges. The ear's cone like shape aids in hearing, while the downward slope away from the canal and ridged surface help keep the ear canal clean and free of debris. Koori eyes have a large black pupil, visible iris surrounding it, and visible white sclera. Chromatic limitation of the irises range from browns, golds, greens, blues, or pink (rare). During night time or low visibility, their pupils will expand until the sclera is barely (if at all) visible. Their nose is soft and fleshy and is slightly moist near the bottom. About midway down the abdomen is a "belly button" where the infants were provided nourishment during development within the egg.

Koori have very large and prominent central incisors located on their upper jaw which are joined together in a round curved shape. They lack lateral incisors completely. Their cuspids are also prominent, but are much shorter than their incisors. They are sharp and suitable for tearing. Jungle Koori have longer cuspids than "Common" Koori. Their bottoms incisors and cuspids are flat and short. Koori have a total of Sixteen (16) molars. Eight (8) on each side.

Due to their mostly vegetarian diet, Koori possess "two stomachs" which are actually one stomach with two separate chambers. The "Magren" is the first chamber. It allows any tough plant material to soften and ferment for easier digestion. It then absorbs water, magnesium, and the volatile fatty acids. The "Bauren" is the second chamber. It is similar to a human stomach, digesting any proteins and amino acids while breaking down the remainder to pass through the intestinal track. Once the food passes through the intestinal track and colon, it will be deposited as waste in the form of tight grouped pellets similar to that of a deer or goat.

Diet
Koori are omnivores but mostly eat vegetation. A typical Koori's diet consists of grasses, root vegetables, nuts, and fruit. Fish and meat are often used as flavoring or an added ingredient to a vegetable dish. They may also eat fish or meat by itself but not as often. Grains or seeds are sometimes used to make a bread-like food that Koori call "Gatska".

Reproduction and sexuality
Koori genitalia are not visible from a standing position and in the male's case, the testicles are internal and the penis is retracted into the body.

Koori typically have a "breeding period" once every season, or four times a year. During this time, females will go into "heat" and are ready to reproduce. If a female goes the entire breeding period without copulating, they will have a menstruation period of about eight days. Those who are impregnated will lay a large egg in two months. In about five months after the egg is laid, it will hatch. The hatchling is blind and completely hairless. Infant Koori open their eyes 40 days after hatching but will remain hairless for one full year.

Koori only lay one egg at a time. However, on rare occasions an egg can possess a double yolk resulting in twins.

"Common" Koori eggs are greyish olive green and speckled with darker green spots. Jungle Koori eggs are very similar, but darker in color.

Both male and female Koori possess two teats on their chest for producing milk for offspring. The female parent typically provides the offspring with milk, but in some cases, a single male parent can lactate as well. Koori infants will drink milk for one full year after hatching.

Koori reach maturity at nine years of age.