Kelbi Ecology

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

In-Game Information

Herbivorous, deer-like monsters. Valued for their horns, they tend to run away at the first hint of danger. They are also hunted for their meat, which is chewy but flavorful.

Taxonomy

• Order: Artiodactyla
• Family: Kelbi
• Species: Kelbi

Kelbi are small, deer-like monsters found throughout the Monster Hunter World.

Habitat Range

Kelbi are known to inhabit the Forest and Hills/Verdant Hills, Old Swamp, Swamp/Marshlands, Snowy Mountains, Old Jungle, Jungle, Great Forest, Deserted Island, Flooded Forest, Misty Peaks, Ancestral Steppe, Primal Forest, Sunken Hollow, Volcanic Hollow, Everwood, Dunes, Jurassic Frontier, Flower Field, Ancient Forest, Wildspire Waste, and Coral Highlands.

Ecological Niche

The Kelbi is pretty much the lowest in the food chain, being a simple herbivore that feeds on shrubs and grass. Kelbi are a favorite prey of the Nargacuga, the latter having been seen preying on any unfortunate Kelbi that are too busy grazing to notice the silent stalker. Kelbi are also prey for smaller predators such as Velociprey.

Biological Adaptations

Kelbi are very fleet of foot. They can travel at great speeds over long distances, due in part to their light frame. Kelbi have a green/brown spotted coat that serves as camouflage in their forest homes. Kelbi's most notable feature is its horn, prized by hunters for its ability to create powerful herbal medicines and potions. Male Kelbi are larger than females and have bigger horns, as well as being more brightly colored with a greenish coat. Males will also grow a beard. Female Kelbi are smaller, possess smaller horns and have a darker, slightly blue, coat.

Behavior

Kelbi are very skittish creatures. They will typically flee at the first sight of danger however, when attacked males will sometimes defend themselves by ramming their foe with their large horns. Kelbi also have also developed a unique behavioral adaptation in which they "play dead". When injured they will lay on the ground with their bodies limp, and wait until the threat has moved on before fleeing. Sadly, this technique often doesn't work against most predators, and only serves to make them even easier to kill. When a large monster is in an area while fighting with a hunter, Kelbi will often stand off to the edge of the area in a small group, away from danger. They will flee when the monster or hunter gets too close, but make no attempt to avoid projectile attacks, such as fireballs.