Rathian Ecology

Disclaimer:: This is merely a plausible explanation for the monster(s) in this article, and should not be considered canon.

Taxonomy
A true wyvern, Rathian display all the trademark characteristics of a wyvern: large wings, forelegs only, a long tail. Rathian's build is slightly stocker than a Rathalos' and its profile is less aerodynamic due to its spiked barbs. Rathian may grow slightly larger than Rathalos due to their terrestrial nature.

Habitat Range
Rathian, much like Rathalos, can survive in almost any territory given temperatures are right for rearing young and food supplies are plentiful. Rathian however, prefere areas with good nesting sights and easy to navigate terrain. Mountain tops and caves serve as excellant nesting sights and Rathians will fequently build nests to shelter their young from the elements.

Ecological Niche
Alpha Predator, Rathians are the nest mates of Rathalos, and together the two will actively patrol large territories from both land and air. After giving birth, Rathians will care for their young, performing parental duties such as feeding and guarding while Rathalos defends their home territory from other males who would immediately try to kill Rathian's young before attempting to mate with her. Rathian have slightly slower metabolism than Rathalos, most likely due to the fact that walking takes far less exertion than flying. This trait allows them more time to divert attention to feeding their young rather than themselves. Rathian especially enjoy preying on Velociprey, as the lean, protein-rich muscles of the creature and relatively weak skin are easy for young to digest and yield high nutritional value.

Biological Adaptations
Much like Rathalos, Rathian has a poisonous tail, but lacks the poisonous claws of the male wyvern. She instead as developed poisonous barbs resembling corse black hair that deter most attackers. Rathians roar is just as fierce as Rathalos' and her land based manueverability is even greater. Rathian is famous for her ability to perform backflips to knock a foe out of her way while simultaneously poisoning it. Rathians dark green coloration serves to camoflouge the creature so it may more efficiently hunt prey.

Behavior
Much like Rathalos, Rathian is very territorial, choosing to patrol from ground moreso than her male counterpart. Rathians will become very aggressive to potential threats, especially when she is caretaking young. Rathians are one of the few wyverns to show maternal instinct, caring for and raising their young for a period of several months to a year before abandoning them. Rathian also form a lasting bond with their mate, being one of the few wyvern species to show cooperation between adults.