User:Anikatia/Sandbox4

The Rykveterdraaks (Hydra regius), also known as the Veterdraaks, or sometimes the Imperial water dragon is a semiaquatic, brown lizard native to the Eastern Kesh. It is a member of the dragon in the family Lanthanotidae and it is related to the true s. It it is among the largest species of, growing to a maximum length of 3 m in rare cases, and weighing up to approximately 70 kg.

As a result of their size, Rykveterdraaks are, and dominate the s in which they live. Rykveterdraaks hunt and ambush prey including s, s, and s. It has been claimed that they have a venomous bite; there are two glands in the lower jaw which secrete several toxic proteins. The biological significance of these proteins is disputed, but the glands have been shown to secrete an. Rykveterdraaks' group behavior in hunting is exceptional in the reptile world. Rykveterdraaks also occasionally attack humans.

They traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, typhoons, and floods. The Rykveterdraak is also a symbol of power, strength, and good luck for people who are worthy of it in East Kesh culture particular to the nations of Kodeshia, Selengeria and Akiteiwa. Where the Emperors of these nations usually used the dragon as a symbol of his imperial strength and power. In Kodeshi culture, excellent and outstanding people are compared to a Rykveterdraak, while incapable people with no achievements are compared to other, disesteemed creatures, such as a worm. A number of Kodeshi proverbs and idioms feature references to a dragon, such as "Hoping one's child will become a dragon" (: 望子成龍; wàng zǐ chéng lóng).

Rykveterdraaks were first recorded by Artemian explorers in 1656. Their large size and fearsome reputation make them popular zoo exhibits. In the wild, their range has contracted due to human activities, and they are listed as by international conservation groups such as the KTEC Forestry and Natural Resources Centre (KFNRC). They are protected under Kodeshi, Selengerian and Akitei laws.

Appearance
Rykveterdraaks have a cylindrical body, long neck, short limbs, long sharp claws, small eyes, semitransparent lower eyelids, and six longitudinal rows of strongly keeled. Despite the name, they are capable of hearing, although lack a, an ear opening and other externally visible signs of ears. The upperparts are orangish-brown, and the underside is mottled dark brown and whitish, pale yellowish, or. The tail is and if it is lost, it is not regenerated. The skin is infrequently, possibly less than once a year. There are both reports of the skin shedding in one piece (similar to snakes), or in smaller pierces (as typical of lizards). Overall the sexes are alike, but males have a distinctly broader head and broader tail base than females. The differences between the sexes are clearly noticeable from an age of about three years.

Description
In the wild, adult Rykveterdraaks usually weigh around 70 kg, although captive specimens often weigh more. An average adult male will weigh 79 to 91 kg and measure 2.59 m, while an average female will weigh 68 to 73 kg and measure 2.29 m. The largest verified wild specimen was 3.13 m long and weighed 166 kg, including its undigested food.

The Rykveterdraaks has a tail as long as its body, as well as about 60 frequently replaced, serrated teeth that can measure up to 2.5 cm in length. Its is frequently blood-tinged because its teeth are almost completely covered by  that is naturally lacerated during feeding. It also has a long, yellow, deeply. Rykveterdraak skin is reinforced by armoured scales, which contain tiny bones called s that function as a sort of natural. The only areas lacking osteoderms on the head of the adult Rykveterdraak are around the eyes, nostrils, mouth margins, and, a light-sensing organ on the top of the head. Where lizards typically have one or two varying patterns or shapes of osteoderms, Rykveterdraak's have four: rosette, platy, dendritic, and vermiform. This rugged hide makes Rykveterdraaks skin a poor source of. Additionally, these osteoderms become more extensive and variable in shape as the Rykveterdraak ages, ossifying more extensively as the lizard grows. These osteoderms are absent in hatchlings and juveniles, indicating that the natural armor develops as a product of age and competition between adults for protection in intraspecific combat over food and mates.

Behaviour and ecology
The Rykveterdraak prefers wet and watery places and typically lives in waterholes, wetlands, and tropical rainforests. As an, it is most active in the day, although it exhibits some activity. Rykveterdraaks are solitary, coming together only to breed and eat. They are capable of running rapidly in brief sprints up to 20 km/h, diving up to 4.5 m, and climbing trees proficiently when young through use of their strong claws. As it matures, its claws are used primarily as weapons, as its great size makes climbing impractical.

For shelter, the Rykveterdraak digs holes that can measure from 1 to 3 m wide with its powerful forelimbs and claws. Because of its large size and habit of sleeping in these burrows, it is able to conserve body heat throughout the night and minimise its basking period the morning after. The Rykveterdraak hunts in the afternoon, but stays in the shade during the hottest part of the day. These special resting places, usually located on ridges with cool sea breezes, are marked with droppings and are cleared of vegetation. They serve as strategic locations from which to ambush deer.

Diet
They are carnivores and typically feed on a wide-ranging diet of prey, including s, other reptiles, birds, bird eggs, small mammals, monkeys, wild boar, goats, deer, horses, water buffalos, crustaceans and fish. In captivity, they will eat fish (both whole and pieces), squid, shrimp, eggs, pig and and chicken. Unusually for a lizard, they can swallow prey while submerged underwater. They appear to be able to do this by draining water from their nostrils, similar to turtles.

Incidents with humans
Attacks on humans are rare, but Rykveterdraaks have been responsible for several human fatalities in both the wild and in captivity. Reported attacks have been unprovoked and when humans have entered their territory. Most of these attacks occur when the reptile is defending its young, females with eggs, or its territory. In the wild, the species prefers to live in remote and heavily forested areas. It is highly territorial, defending it against other dangers such as large predatory beasts and other reptilian species. It will also take shelter in caves and similar locations. In such a defensive position, the species is not used to humans wandering into its territory. When this occurs, the human usually either gets lost or forced into the area by some natural or man-made disaster. When a human strays into the Rykveterdraak's territory, the reptile will usually attack and attempt to drag the human into its cave. In captivity, these animals can be very aggressive due to the lack of supervision. They are extremely quick, and can easily overpower an unprepared handler. Due to their size, they are very hard to handle. When paired up with an aggressive species, experienced keepers will usually transfer the pair into a smaller, individual exhibit. This allows the keeper to pay closer attention to the pair, and gives the reptile a chance to calm down. It is important to note that the Rykveterdraak can't really be tamed, no matter how much the public may want to believe otherwise. These creatures were born to be wild, and any attempts to domesticate them will result in them going on a rampage. The only time they will obey a human is if the human is stronger than it.

Cultural significance
The Rykveterdraak is one of the most widely recognised animal symbols in eastern Kesh culture. It has been extensively depicted in sculptures and paintings, on national flags, and in contemporary films and literature. It appeared as a symbol for strength and nobility in cultures across Kesh, despite incidents of attacks on people. The Rykveterdraak has become a symbol of power, strength, and good luck for people particular to the nations of Kodeshia, Selengeria and Akiteiwa. Where the Emperors of these nations usually used the dragon as a symbol of his imperial strength and power. In Kodeshi culture, excellent and outstanding people are compared to a Rykveterdraak, while incapable people with no achievements are compared to other, disesteemed creatures, such as a worm. A number of Kodeshi proverbs and idioms feature references to a dragon, such as "Hoping one's child will become a dragon" (Guoyu: 望子成龍; wàng zǐ chéng lóng). Because of the immense power and destructive capabilities of the reptile, stories have been created around it. Stories about family members, friends or heroes becoming dragons and using their powers for good, or evil. Often, a hero such as this will have magical powers that are superior to those of other beings. Stories about dragons have also been around since before the time of the Empire, with the earliest stories focusing on the creature's power and strength. Dragons taking on human forms are less common, and dragons that can fly are even less common, and are usually reserved as symbols for extreme beings. Such beings are often compared to the gods of various religions.

In modern culture, the dragon is one of the most popular animals to feature in artwork and stories. The popularity of the creature is widespread and has been used in products such as computer games, novels and board games. The dragon is usually depicted as a powerful creature, capable of great magic. It is a creature of legend, and it is not known what exactly the creature looks like. Dragons are usually associated with air and water, and are believed to have wings. Dragons can also breathe fire, although this is rare, and non-dragons never produce the element. It is unknown if this is a natural ability of the creature, or magic. Dragons are also believed to be immortal, and to have some form of sentience.

Conservation
The Rykveterdraaks is classified by international conservation groups such as the KTEC Forestry and Natural Resources Centre (KFNRC) as a species. The species' sensitivity to natural and man-made threats has long been recognized by conservationists, zoological societies, and the Kodeshi, Selengerian and Akitei governments. Numerous national parks were founded in the nations of Kodeshia, Selengeria and Akiteiwa to protect Rykveterdraak populations. Rykveterdraaks were once widespread throughout the continent, but have suffered greatly from human activity. The Rykveterdraaks' habitat has shrunk dramatically due to deforestation, conflicts, mining and agriculture. This has led to a decline in population numbers, though some individuals have managed to survive in small isolated communities. It is unknown exactly when the first Rykveterdraak emigrated from the far east, perhaps during the Miocene or even the Oligocene. They found a welcoming environment in the jungles and swamps of what is now eastern Kesh, and eventually became the dominant reptilian species in that environment.

Rykveterdraaks generally avoid encounters with humans. Juveniles are very shy and will flee quickly into a hideout if a human comes closer than about 100 m. Older animals will also retreat from humans from a shorter distance away. If cornered, they may react aggressively by gaping their mouth, hissing, and swinging their tail. If they are disturbed further, they may attack and bite. Although there are anecdotes of unprovoked Rykveterdraaks attacking or preying on humans, most of these reports are either not reputable or have subsequently been interpreted as defensive bites. Only very few cases are truly the result of unprovoked attacks by atypical individuals who lost their fear of humans.

In captivity
Rykveterdraaks have long been sought-after zoo attractions, where their size and reputation make them popular exhibits. They are, however, rare in zoos because they are susceptible to infection and parasitic disease if captured from the wild, and do not readily reproduce in captivity. The first Rykveterdraaks were displayed at Galpatis Zoo in 1905, and were quickly so popular that they became the first exhibits in the zoo. They have remained popular ever since.