Yian Kut-Ku Ecology
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Yian Kut-Ku Topics:
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Disclaimer: This is merely a plausible explanation for the monster(s) in this article, and should not be considered canon.
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[edit] In-Game Information
[edit] Taxonomy
The "poster child" of the Bird Wyvern family, Yian Kut-Ku is easily the most recognizable of all bird wyverns. Bird Wyverns have lightweight frames, hollow bones, and typicially have large beaks. They are very fast on ground, and competent flyers in the air. Yian Kut-Ku closely resembles its greater cousin "Yian Garuga"
[edit] Habitat Range
The Yian Kut-Ku often nests in the jungle, favoring its warm climate and abundance of small prey over that of larger territories where stronger enemies and fewer small prey roam. This has aptly earned the creature the title of "Jungle Menace", where it is often the largest and strongest creature in the area unless a Daiyamo Hermitaur or a Congalala is around. The Yian Kut-Ku can also frequently seen in the Forest & Hills as well as the Swamps. This would further indicate that most Kut-Kus prefer warmer climates where smaller prey and water can be frequently found. The Yian Kut-Ku (unfortunately) share a preference for many of the same nesting grounds that larger wyverns, such as the Rathalos, also like, and are eventually forced from their homes when a stronger wyvern is searching for new territory. This would explain why Yian Kut-Ku are often found wandering aimlessly and display little territorial nature, as opposed to other wyverns.
[edit] Ecological Niche
Kut-Ku is very small for a Bird Wyvern. In fact on occasion, a super small specimen has been spotted, though these may in fact be Kut-Ku fledglings forced from their nest. Because of its small size, the Kut Ku cannot handle larger predators and often may become food in turn for larger wyverns. The Yian Kut-Ku isn't the most graceful of hunters; when charging prey it uses a wobbly, so called (chicken run) in which it rushes at its prey or enemy and launches fire balls from left to right. Not terribly useful for agile creatures. Often it must battle for its food as packs of "Raptor-Prey" will makes its day difficult. Velociprey packs will often ambush a Kut-Ku that has killed a monster and attempt to steal its prey. Not that the Kut Ku will go down or back off with out a fight. The creature has a loud roar, in which to frighten off smaller creatures before making good use of its abilty to spit out fire balls.
[edit] Biological Adaptations
The Yian Kut-Ku can fly, which is a major advantage over lesser prey monsters and other terrestrial enemies. It's not a great flyer when compared to other wyverns however, although it can fly well enough to ambush unsuspecting victims and escape slower predators. The Yian Kut-Ku can hurl large fireballs, and although these are effective at killing weak prey such as the Kelbi, they do little to deter experienced hunters and larger, more powerful wyverns. The Yian Kut-Ku possesses a very large and sturdy beak used to crush its prey, as well as aid in tearing off large hunks of meat. Their jaws contains no teeth, and due to their inability to chew food, the Kut Ku must swallow multiple small-to-medium sized stones to aid in its digestion by pulverizing the food in its' gizzard. Occasionally this can form a special kind of stone or even a jewel, depending on the size and age of the Kut Ku in question.
[edit] Behavior
A somewhat tempermental wyvern, and rather dim-witted compared to stronger Bird Wyverns such as the Gypceros and Hypnocatrice. A Yian Kut-Ku will attack most hunters and humans on sight, although this is often not a wise decision on the Kut Ku's part. The Yian Kut-Ku is reletively low on the predatory food chain, and it is because of this that its bark is often worse than its bite. The Yian Kut-Ku will often try to make itself appear bigger than it really is by spreading its wings and flaring out its ears, while shrieking out a loud roar. When confronted by larger enemies, the Yian Kut-Ku will attempt to flee before it damages its fragile wing bones, as a crippled Kut Ku will not last long in the wild where hungry Velociprey are constantly on the lookout for an easy meal.
