Unicorn (SciiFii)

The unicorn (Equus uniceratops), also known as the horned horse, is a species of horse that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the forests, open woodlands, grasslands, and shrublands across Eurasia and North America to help boost biodiversity. Unicorns are very large horses, ranging from about the size of the American Mustang to about the size of the large Clydesdale. The unicorn resembles a white, grey, black, or dull brown domestic horse in appearance and build, but has a short narwhal-like horn made of keratin that grows on its forehead, which it uses for fighting other males during the breeding seasons and for defense against any potential predators. Both male and female unicorns are almost identical to each other, but there are sexual dimorphism in this species, as the males are slightly larger and bulkier than the females. The unicorns form troops of between five and fifteen members, consisting of an old stallion, his mares and foals. The common offspring stay in the family group until they are no longer dependent, usually at two or three years old. Young females join other harems, while bachelor stallions as well as old stallions who have lost their harems join bachelor groups. Family groups can join together to form a herd that moves together. The patterns of their daily lives exhibit horse behavior similar to that of Przewalski's horse and feral horse herds. Stallions herd, drive, and defend all members of their family, while the mares often display leadership in the family. Stallions and mares stay with their preferred partners for years. While behavioral synchronization is high among mares, stallions other than the main harem stallion are generally less stable in this respect. The unicorn's diet consists entirely of vegetation, including grasses, shrubs, roots, leaves, fruits (including berries), and pine needles, although it is known to feed on both bulbs (such as onions) and ferns. Mating occurs in late spring or early summer. Mating stallions do not start looking for mating partners until the age of ﬁve. Stallions assemble groups of mares or challenge the leader of another group for dominance. Females are able to give birth at the age of three and have a gestation period of 11–12 months. Foals are able to stand about an hour after birth. The rate of infant mortality among foals is 20%, with 50.1% of these deaths resulting from leading stallion infanticide. Foals begin grazing within a few weeks but are not weaned for 8–13 months after birth. They reach sexual maturity at two years of age. The unicorns are one of the longest living species of horses, being able to live to be about 100 years on average, although some individuals have been reported to live to be almost 130 years, living around as long as humans (Homo sapiens). The conservation status of the unicorn is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the unicorn's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.