Template:PopoTopics
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In-Game Information
A herbivorous monster known for its giant, bent tusk. Living in herds, it is particularly brave when defending its young. Popo meat is quite nutritious, and its tongue is widely admired as a delicacy.
Taxonomy
It is possible that Popo may be related to Bullfango, due to their relatively similar appearance.
Habitat Range
Popo's thick fur limits its habitat range. It's confined primarily to the colder regions in and around the snowy mountains. With careful grooming however, Domesticated Popo can thrive in the warmer climates in and around Pokke village, and other such communities at the base of large mountains or cold climates and sometimes they can be seen wandering around the summit of the Snowy Mountains.
Ecological Niche
A large grazing herbivore, Popo is somewhat easy prey for anything larger than itself. Its size and tusks only work to deter smaller predators such as packs of Giaprey or Baggi. Large wyverns such as Tigrex, Barioth, and Deviljho can easily kill off large numbers of Popos rather quickly, making the large beasts an easy food source. However their tusks can still inflict serious wounds upon the large predators so they can't afford to attack too recklessly. Popo are also used by the people of Pokke as beasts of burden, primarily for farmwork.
Biological Adaptations
Popo's thick fur keeps it warm in the cold mountain climate. Popo have especially thick hair covering its eyes to protect them from driving snow and ice. Large hooved feet disperse its weight evenly so it doesn't sink in deep snowdrifts. Popo's large tusks are used for a number of reasons. They are displayed by males challenging one another over a female. They are used in self defence against larger threats, and help Popo dig up plants buried deep under the snow.
Behavior
Popo can be docile enough to be domesticated, however there are reports of them attacking their owners. Adults may defend their young if they are attacked. Popo will often flee at the first sight of danger. They keep to small herds ranging from a single family group to an upwards of 40 individuals. During the mating season bulls undergo a yearly condition called musth where the testosterone level in them skyrockets, thus making them extremely aggressive. Many people are attacked each year by these males when traveling in the Snowy Mountains and Tundra.