Azwaca

Azwaca are slow moving herbivores native to Zarn about the size of the Terran hippopotamus, but with a reptiloid appearance very much like the dinosaurs of millennia past. They have a thick, oily greyish green hide and large feet which are slightly webbed.

The average azwaca stands approximately 6 feet high and weighs upwards of 800 Kg, with the largest specimens reaching upwards of 9 feet high and 1200 Kg.

Herd animals, Azwaca stick to the few rivers and lakes that can be found on Zarn, where they both feast most of the day on soft river plants and are somewhat protected from the larger land based predators. Generally moving only as fast as the slowest member of the herd, they can walk on land though this is tiring for them. When startled they can build up a land speed gallop of about 40 Km/hour for a short distance.

Their thick hide seems to be ample protection against most of the water born and flying insects that would plague humanoids. They are not very intelligent and have been known to be herded by some of the smarter pack-predators.

Azwaca herd numbers so far spotted range from a four member family group up to one group estimated at some 450 individuals. They breed quickly, having up to 4 young per year and are an important food source for many of the larger predators.

Though originating on Zarn, the Zarnac have exported Azwaca to most of the worlds of the empire. There, Azwaca provide a taste of home for settlers and occupation forces, mostly in the form of Azwaca Steaks and Azwaca milk. Azwaca can also be found on the Federation colony world of Deridous IV, where they were brought by the members of the exiled Forty-ninth House.