khaateer screech frog

Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaateeeeeeeeeeer! Khaaaaaateeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer!
— screech frog
The khaateer, also known as the screech frog, is a tiny but highly vocal frog native to Janikk, named for its piercing screams to drive away predators.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

The screech frog makes its home in moist, grassy areas, particularly around temporary freshwater wetlands and short-term ponds. They are most common in the subtropical regions of Janikk.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The screech frog survives on a high protein diet consisting mostly of insects, relying on its long tongue and powerful legs to catch its prey.

Behaviour

The screech frog, as its name would suggest, has developed a rather unique defense against predators. In vast contrast to its miniscule size, the khaateer is capable of launching a shrill and devastating auditory attack on the eardrums of any nearby creatures, using its highly grating shrieks to drive away potential predators.   The calls of the screech frog have been known to cause temporary deafness, with some cases so severe as to require medical attention to prevent more permanent damage.   The Jannadaelox have intentionally kept their settlements far away from natural khaateer territory. While Anemancy could counteract the frog's screams by redirecting the airflow away, this would cause additional complications, potentially even requiring air scrubbers similar to those found in spacecraft to guarantee fresh air. Janikk is a largely wild planet, with plenty of other, more peaceful locations for the young but growing society now sharing its surface.
Lifespan
2-5 years
Average Length
less than 1in
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Light brown, with darker brown stripes along the side of its body through its eyes
Geographic Distribution
Diet
insectivore

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Comments

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Jul 9, 2023 18:21 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaateeeeeeeeeeer!

Emy x
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Aug 10, 2023 13:50 by E. Christopher Clark

I was just commenting on another article—Barron's, I think—that sound is an underutilized sense in so much writing. It can evoke strong feelings in the reader, and you've done that here with your description of the screech the screech frog makes. Well done!

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Aug 10, 2023 16:54 by Morgan Biscup

Thank you so much! <3 I will admit I always overlook sound, so that's a great reminder for me - thank you! These little guys were fun to write.

Lead Author of Vazdimet.
Necromancy is a Wholesome Science.
Aug 18, 2023 17:39 by Autumn Riverwood

I love the idea of a tiny frog that screeches really loud to scare away predators. This is a really cool article, and you did a great job :D

Aug 19, 2023 00:05 by Morgan Biscup

Thank you so much! I had a blast with these.   Honestly, all the animals on planet Janikk are fun. They were genetically modified by the prior inhabitants, and then left to survive on their own when civilization fell, so I get to do the most ridiculous things.

Lead Author of Vazdimet.
Necromancy is a Wholesome Science.
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