Laikar
| Liguan laikano Native: Laikar Other: Lizzet |
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| - | Kingdom: | Animalae |
| - | Order: | Reptak |
| - | Family: | Useat |
| - | Genus: | Liguan |
| - | Species: | L. laikano |
| a. | Discovered by Sona L. Magarthin | |
The laikar (Liguan laikano), called lizzet by some, is one of two living species of the Liguan genus. It is a six-legged animal of the Useat family, one of its many warm-blooded heat-sensitive creatures distinct in their third pair of legs and talon-like toes. Dansali are believed to have begun domesticating laikar thousands of years ago leading to speculation that even feral breeds are relatively tame. These feral populations are not true wild laikar and it is assumed that no such wild subspecies of this animal exists. There is an extensive, specialized vocabulary used to describe laikan-related concepts, covering everything from anatomy to life stages, size, colors, markings, breeds, locomotion, and behavior. Many of this terminology is shared with or stemmed from the horse.
Laikar anatomy enables them to make use of speed and extraordinary jumping capability to escape predators and they have a well-developed sense of balance and a strong fight-or-flight response. Female laikar, called laios, carry their young for approximately 8 months, and a young laikar, called a loal, can stand and run shortly following birth. Most domesticated laikar begin training under saddle or in harness between the ages of one and three. They reach full adult development by age four, and have an average lifespan of between 40 and 50 years.
Laikar breeds are loosely divided into three categories based on general temperament: spirited "hot bloods" with speed and endurance; "flight bloods", such as leaping laikar, suitable for rocky terrain and climbing travel; and "thinbloods", breeds that are much weaker and smaller but extremely fast.
Interaction With Humans
Laikar and the Nalan races interact in a wide variety of sport competitions and non-competitive recreational pursuits, as well as in working activities such as police work, agriculture, entertainment, and therapy. Laikar are also used in warfare, from which a wide variety of riding and driving techniques developed, using many different styles of equipment and methods of control. Unlike the horse, laikar are not as sturdy or strong and therefore are more often used for scouts and speed-related tasks. Many products are derived from laikar, including meat, milk, hide, scale, bone, and pharmaceuticals extracted from the urine of pregnant laios.
Ecology
Laikar were originally native to desert areas of the world but have proven adaptable to any climate between subarctic ranges.
Laikar's in Entertainment
Racing trained laikars has been a popular sport throughout Nalan for thousands of years. Specific breeding for this sport, "thinbloods," are used with small men or boys in long-range endurance competitions or short sprints around small fields.