The Pogolago

Pogolagos (genus salitosimia, jumping monkey) are medium carnivores/scavengers descended from bush babies, the last remaining strepsirrhine primate. Other bush baby descendants took up more traditional primate niches, but Pogolagos abandoned the trees for the savannas of North Africa.

Biology

Pogalagos meaure at about 6 feet in length (including the tail), and 3 feet in height while in the quadruped stance. They measure at 6 feet in length and 6 feet tall while in the bipedal stance. Pogalagos live up to 10 years old.

Pogalagos have a kangaroo-like bodyplan with long legs, a large tail, and the ability to transition between a quadrupedal and bipedal stance. Their legs contain elastic tissue that gives the Pogalago the ability to clear long distances in a single leap, this also helps them conserve energy while under the beating African sun. Their tail acts as a sort of third leg, it gives them balance while jumping and standing on their hind legs. 

Pogolagos have a digitigrade leg structure. Their first four toes have lost the abilty to grasp anything. The thumbs on their feet have migrated up to the now uplifted heel. The thumbs were absorbed into the heel and the bones serve as connection points for leg muscles, allowing for better jumping abilities. 

Pogolagos have a diet of carrion and medium sized herbivores such as the deer-like grazing chevrolopes found all across Africa. Their tooth comb, although still used for grooming, is primarily for scraping meat off of bones. They hunt by hopping after their prey and tackling it, they tear at the throat or strangle their prey with their strong front limbs before picking apart and eating their prey with their hands. Hunting has a 50/50 success rate if they even find prey in the first place.

Pogolagos have reduced ears and eyes. The fur around their eyes is black in order to reduce glare from the sun. The rest of their fur is a tan in order to blend in with the grass. Pogolagos often cover their fur in their own urine to keep insects away. Their urine keeps insects away because it smells like citronella.

Behavior

Pogalagos live in large territories of up to two square miles. These territories roamed by a group of three to four female Pogolagos and one male, these groups are called tribes. These territories all depend on herd migration patterns, this leads to constantly shifting borders. 

The male leads the tribe, when his reign is contested by a new male, they'll settle it the old fashioned way. Both males will stand on their hind legs, reel their fists back, and punch each other until someone either dies or concedes. If the new male wins, the loser leaves to find another tribe. Females are more accepted by the tribe and they can leave and join tribes without having to fight for it. 

The young come out of womb with the ability to hop and their brains develop fast. Playing between young happens a lot, this play simulates hunting and prepares them for adulthood. At about two months old, they join their parents on a hunt and learn from the professionals. They hit maturity at six months old.