Odogaron 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.

Taxonomy

A large dog-like Fanged Wyvern, Odogaron is a species that was discovered in the New World by the Research Commission. Its closest relative is the Ebony Odogaron, a subspecies that wields the dragon element.

History

Nothing is known about the discovery of Odogaron.

Habitat Range

Odogaron is native to the Rotten Vale, but has rarely been seen hunting in the Coral Highlands as well.

Ecological Niche

In the Rotten Vale, and occasionally the Coral Highlands, Odogaron easily asserts itself as the top predator in its environment, feeding on fresh corpses as well as other monsters. Other large monsters like Great Girros, Radobaan, Tzitzi-Ya-Ku, and Paolumu can easily be seriously injured by Odogaron. Despite being a powerful predator, Odogaron can easily be overpowered by stronger monsters like Bazelgeuse, Deviljho, and Vaal Hazak.

Biological Adaptations

Unlike most other monsters, Odogaron lacks eyelids, so its cornea protects its eyes from injuries. Despite having eyes, Odogaron has poor eyesight but makes up for it with its highly developed sense of smell. Researchers believe that Odogaron greatly developed its olfactory system specifically to find fresh corpses in the Rotten Vale, but it seems Odogaron found other uses for its sense of smell. By making its prey bleed, Odogaron can follow the scent of its prey's blood, allowing it to keep track of its victim when it loses sight of it. It can even learn the exact positioning of enemies and prey by simply sniffing around its environment. Odogaron's most striking feature is its claws. Odogaron has ten claws altogether; Four of them always visible and six of them folded upwards on its paws. The first four claws that are visible are actually just substitutes for its real claws, the six folded ones. It is believed that its first joint developed abnormally, and keratinized, creating the four additional claws that are usually visible. It primarily uses the four substitute claws for running long distances and sneaking up on prey. Its real claws act just like a cat's claws, and it uses all ten of them to rip into prey. On all ten of its claws are three rows of jagged spikes that are able to leave deep, complicated cuts in prey, causing its victims to bleed profusely. Even if the prey survives an Odogaron attack, the creature will have a hard time healing from the deep cuts those claws leave behind. When Odogaron devours meat from its prey, its metabolism will dramatically increase, making it more ferocious and active compared to how it is normally.

Behavior

Odogaron is a highly aggressive predator that is constantly on the hunt for prey, whether it be man or monster. It is also one of the few monsters that won't necessarily evacuate an area when an Elder Dragon shows up.

Sources

• Monster Hunter: World
• https://youtu.be/xrX0oZtwva8?t=1641
• https://www.famitsu.com/news/201805/28157979.html
• "Monster Hunter: World Hunting Thanksgiving 2018 Official Brochure" (Japanese モンスターハンター：ワールド 狩猟感謝祭 2018 公式パンフレット)