[tawnycatz]

The closest still-living relative of the ulavakh is the kalovakh. They are bulkier, larger, and highly aggressive. Their size makes them rare.

Kalovakh have carved out a particular niche for themselves, living on the borders of sandstorms. Thanks to there always being sandstorms, somewhere, kalovakh have found this a sustainable practice (especially with low numbers).

They are known to travel between locations to seek out storms. Their hunting method is simple -- they linger on the outskirts of storms, buffeted by wind and sand but not in the worst of it (even kalovakh cannot withstand being in the midst of one). Any creatures trying to escape the sandstorm will find a hungry kalovakh waiting for them. Exhaustion and disorientation make them easy meals.

Their populations boom during sandstorm season, unsurprisingly, when stranded animals are plentiful.

Areas that have permanent sandstorms typically do not see many kalovakh near them; animals that would be negatively affected by harsh desert winds (most of them) know to avoid the area, making them poor hunting grounds. Young or very lost kalovakh may sometimes end up lingering on the borders of these eternal sandstorms for extended periods of time, but this is a rarity.

A select few ulavakh have attempted to domesticate the kalovakh -- one nomadic group and the primary Kolnavh settlement -- but to no avail. They are simply too aggressive for any real benefit.

They are not a real danger for the average ulavakh, but are nonetheless a danger to be wary of if doing any sort of travel. Hunting them is not recommended; they are dangerous and not very tasty.