There is truly no method of introduction to these creatures that would ever do justice to their amusing and mesmerizing mannerisms and behaviours. It is only in observing closely we can begin to understand how delightful they are.
Regardless of your location, the likelihood of having heard of these animals is high. Praises are often sung by any who tamper with them, as well as those who choose to keep them for observation, or company.
While the applications and possibilities one is able to achieve when indulging in a little bit of genetic tampering, as well as basic training are an incredibly fun topic to discuss, there are also several ethic and safety questions as well as points to be made.
It's with the abundance of possible topics when delving into this portion of the general slugcat discussion that I simply must separate this in parts.
This will be a generalized overview of their behaviour, in specific, their behaviour outside of captivity.
While I cannot ensure the specimens pictured in any of the following footage have not had contact or been modified in any way by us, it is to be assumed they've not been previously in captivity.
Do keep in mind, that these are pieces of footage captured in my local area, diets, mannerisms, and general appearance may wildly vary, especially when releasing modified or otherwise adapted specimens back into the ecosystem.
With all of that out of the way, we will briefly establish some specific groups.
GROUP A. This group consists of mostly dark-coloured, green toned individuals. Their main features are their almost furred look, as well as their energetic and erratic behaviour.
This group consists of five slugcats total.
GROUP B. A rather allusive group, as this is the only footage I was able to properly capture of them! Although energetic, they're quite fond of spending extended periods of time in dens, or generally secluded spots. A group that consists of mostly light coloured slugcats.
GROUP C. One of the newer groups I observed, a few notable things are their pups! This group and their hierarchies are especially apparent, as their smaller size requires they organize themselves in order for said pups to live to adulthood. It is also notable this group does not seem to have a lot of old individuals, mostly composed of pups and young adults.
They are particularly interesting as well, as they have migrated from quite the rainy area, and in general, the stark contrast between the penumbra that kept them safe back in their place of origin, and the often rather bright, and somewhat warmer environment that surrounds me.
There are a few isolated specimens as well, of which mostly include passers-by, as they don't seem to have any partners or pups to care of.
It is these strangers that often hold valuable information!
One of the first things you'll often notice about these creatures is their movement, as it can vary wildly, and will generally give you a good understanding of their thought process, as well as personality.
Pictured above is one of the before mentioned isolated specimens. This specific set of footage shows an increase in movement skill, depicted in the far right is, mostly, erratic and inconstant movement, the middle shows a great leap in progress, as it was taken several cycles after the initial encounter.
It is in the final piece of footage, you can see their leap gives them quite the initial height! Granting them a slight advantage when climbing, especially important in escape scenarios.
These creatures tend to also have a wide range of variation when it comes to their skin, while some seemingly present soft and humid skin, others are almost somewhat sticky!
There needs to be an important distinction between the countless variables in anatomy when observing these creatures, as an excessively slimy skin can represent a rather ill specimen, but there are cases they are healthy, and it's a simple genetic quirk that often times does not impair any of their movement or quality of life.
For older groups, complex movement can be somewhat of a daunting task, as finding these creatures stumbling their way through areas is not uncommon.
It is in these cases where a colony, or a small group, is a rather essential thing to find.
With age, speed, as well as general energy tends to lower, and if an older slugcat happens to find itself with less easily available food, or otherwise unreachable by other means, the chances of survival start to slim.
Though trudging along with less than graceful tumbles and shuffles, a few of these still manage to live another cycle, they awkwardly, and often times hesitantly attempt to make do with their surroundings.
Though their senses may be less reliable, they can still resort to their wits.
..Though it may only get you so far.
Younger specimens however are not in any less danger. Though they're able to rely on basic instincts, newer, or more advanced dangers must be taught by their parents and or those who look to care for them.
It is unattended, they are at their worst.
Though there are plenty of lone creatures out there, it is in groups where their strengths shine brightest.
While mannerisms and habits vary from group to group, this one in particular seems to have a specific habit of walking in pairs, they'll hold onto each other very often.
Because of their energetic nature, they tend to get quite lost if not otherwise paired, this 'grabby' tendency seems to extend to their playing as well, though group C also exhibits this play style!
[Right: GROUP A. Left: GROUP C.]
Playing styles, however, do vary. Young pups especially seem to have a rather erratic style, often hopping and moving at a rapid pace.
There are moments where we can observe certain mannerisms being taught, pouncing is certainly among one of my personal favourites. While being an incredible skill to have, especially at a young age, it is often implemented in play, a rather engaging approach to teaching.
Interspecies social relations [Scavengers, Deer. Lizards.]
Settlements [What makes a proper environment for a colony?]
Known variants of slugcats
Overview of genetic altering
Ethics in genetic altering, known risks
Setting up a proper environment
Enrichment, enclosure, and protocols]
