Manchu

(man-CHOO)

The Omen Islands are home to a few species that are quite unique, due to the island's isolated location. One of the most well-known, however, is the manchu, whose colorful stripes, big eyes, and acrobatic antics make them quite popular with locals and tourists alike. Whether they are gracefully leaping from tree to tree or amusing themselves by throwing fruit at passers-by, very few people can resist a manchu's charming personality!

Manchus are quite long - their body may be about 15 inches (38 cm) long, but their tail is even longer, up to 20 inches (51 cm) on its own! They are quite light for their size, generally weighing between 5-7 lbs (2.2-3 kg). Their light size is what enables them to fly through the treetops almost as quick as birds flitting between branches. They live in small social groups, generally around 15 to 20 members, and participate in a lot of social activities such as grooming, playing, and chattering. Female and male manchus will mate year-round, due to the temperate climate of the island, though they will often have multiple mates throughout the year. Females will give birth to one offspring - although sometimes there are reports of twins. The babies are known as howlers due to the loud, screaming noises they make when hungry. They will make this noise almost constantly the first six months of life, which can make life a bit uncomfortable for those not accustomed to the sound! Adult manchus are known for being far more quiet though they do go back to their howler roots from time to time.

Manchus mainly eat fruit and nuts, especially overripe fruits that are especially soft. Anything that grows high in the treetops is fair game to a manchu, and they are known for having very large appetites. In fact, a single group of manchus can strip an entire tree of every last fruit in a day. Luckily, the mostly unsettled Omen Island offers them plenty of food for their insatiable appetites.

Manchus make wonderful pets for those willing to put the extra time into their training and socialization! They will readily learn tricks and love to walk on harnesses. Many owners will take their manchus out on walks, and they are also quite fond of riding around on shoulders or in the pocket of a hooded sweatshirt. One important thing to remember is that a bored manchu is a destructive manchu, so they must be kept as entertained as possible!