Pokémon Biology: Mount Lanakila

Art by aXl.

Introduction

While thought to be an eternally sunny and tropical region, the Alolan archipelago has, in actuality, a collection of a wide variety of microclimates and unique weather patterns, which makes it home to an incredibly diverse myriad of Pokémon species. Few of these microclimates, however, are as intriguing and uniquely stunning as the one containing Mount Lanakila.

While it sits in a decidedly tropical region, the (13,700 feet above sea level) peak is cloaked in nearly perpetual snow. No other location on or outside the Alolan archipelago is quite so unique. Mount Hokulani, which is also situated on Alola's largest island, Ula'Ula, comes the closest, receiving only very occasional snowfall that rarely blankets the earth for more than a scant few days. Thought to be roughly one million years old, Mount Lanakila is a dormant volcano long past any stages of activity. Due to this highly unique climate and the relative remoteness of the location, many species are endemic to its peaks, crags, and caves. Due to such isolation, however, the Pokémon found on Mount Lanakila are in great danger of becoming extinct at the hands of invasive species. Fortunately, the Alolan government and people have been dutiful in guarding the sacred peaks from such invaders—this is in stark contrast to their previous mistakes regarding the inflated population of Yungoos and Gumshoos on the islands (which fortunately are incapable of withstanding the cold and precipitation of Mount Lanakila to successfully disrupt the isolated ecosystem). So, without further ado, let's take a look at some of the intriguing species inhabiting the sacred peak.

Alolan Vulpix and Ninetales

Some hypothesize that Alolan Vulpix and Ninetales, one of the most striking species endemic to Mount Lanakila, were born out of a line of Ninetales very similar in nature to the common Ninetales. Experts suggest that the line of Ninetales predating our modern one inhabited Mount Lanakila when volcanic activity still regularly occurred. As the volcano fell dormant and the microclimate we know today came into being, it is thought that the once flame-adapted and heat-resistant Vulpix and Ninetales had to adapt to their new and chilly environment, and our modern vulpine species were born.

The subject of many great works of art and literature, Alolan Ninetales is stunning to behold, and it is no wonder that early Alolans revered it as a messenger of the gods (or in some cases, as a deity itself). Yet their stunning appearance isn't just for show—Ninetales is in actuality, a fierce predator. Alolan Ninetales's luminous fur is reflective in such a way that, when combined with the intense sunlight of Mount Lanakila's days as well as its frequent snowstorms, it can temporarily blind or disorient its prey (usually Sandshrew or Snorunt), allowing the graceful Pokémon to quickly kill and consume it. But this unusual trait is not only useful for preying on smaller species. Alolan Vulpix tend to be rather fragile when young, so Alolan Ninetales also employ the rays of the moon, in a similar manner to their aforementioned sunlight-powered hunting technique, to defend itself and its young against the predatory Weavile, Sneasel, and Froslass that prowl the nights of the remote peaks.

Alolan Sandshrew, Sandslash, and Drampa

Records show that Sandshrew and Sandslash more akin to the standard variants we know and love were found across the arid region of Ula'Ula island known as the Haina Desert (though it is not a true desert). Experts suggest that some unknown event caused the species to migrate up out of the "desert" and onto the peaks of Mount Lanakila, which then forced it to adapt to the frosty and unforgiving conditions.

Peaceful herbivores, Alolan Sandshrew and Sandslash feed almost entirely on the few unique alpine plants endemic to Mount Lanakila. To the joy of many Pokémon lovers, Sandshrew and Sandslash often form groups that gather themselves around Drampa, a Pokémon known for its protective nature and tendency to gather Berries. They do so because Sandshrew, which have yet to develop Alolan Sandslash's steely defenses, sit at the bottom of the food chain in Mount Lanakila's unique ecosystem and have few other ways of acquiring enough nourishment to reach adolescence. In return, Sandslash assist Drampa in gathering Berries or whatever the unique Pokémon seems to require in the moment. However, the display of symbiosis is famous not for its interesting biological ramifications, but rather because it attracts all sorts of sightseers and photographers that want to see the endearing and charming sight.

Sneasel and Weavile

Among the many unique species inhabiting the snowy peaks of Mt. Lanakila, perhaps few are more dangerous to passersby than the deadly, yet myth-inspiring, Sneasel and Weavile that inhabit the mountain. Sneasel and Weavile hunt in packs, typically preying on the native varieties of Vulpix and Sandshrew—assuming the pack can get past their fiercely protective parents. Due to the high probability of injury or death by being fought off by enraged Ninetales, Sandslash, or occasionally Drampa, Sneasel and Weavile packs have adapted to become the paragon of teamwork.

While a handful of the Sneasel of a pack divert the attention of the parents or watchers of their prey, Weavile press their victims towards the steep cliff-faces of the lonely mountain, pinning them against the ice-encased rock walls. As their prey of choice tries to mount a defense against the Weavile, the remaining Sneasel swoop in from above and finish them off. The flawless display of teamwork rarely fails and is only broken down as the jealous creatures proceed to squabble over their catch.

Snorunt, Glalie, and Froslass

Finally, perhaps one of the more interesting species found on Mount Lanakila, Snorunt, Glalie, and Froslass are an unusual species, and both Alolan and Sinnohian researchers have struggled for decades with attempting to place them in any taxonomic tree. Some have even suggested that they may be closely related to Burmy's evolutionary line of all things! The species is rare, but the family are the apex predators of Mount Lanakila, preying on everything from Vulpix kits to the wayward Pelipper. Perhaps what has captivated researchers most about the species, though, are the interesting pack dynamics that the evolutionary family exhibits.

The species form packs, typically called "clans," of varying sizes anywhere from 5 to 80 individuals. The clan dynamic has been described by one professional as "a cross between a Pyroar's pride and a Vespiquen's hive." While this may not be too revolutionary sounding, what is fascinating, and has fascinated Pokémon behaviorists since the species was discovered many years ago on a small isle off the coast of the northern area of the Hoenn region, is that the clans are matriarchal—a rare behavioral trait seen otherwise only in Mightyena. That is to say, female members of the clan dominate its hierarchy, which is typically made up of Snorunt at the bottom, male Glalie just above their offspring, female Glalie just above them, and a singular Froslass as the matriarch. Therein lies the facet of these unusual creatures that has captivated many a behaviorist; Froslass seems akin to Vespiquen, a queen with mindless puppets, yet the other members of the clan compete and struggle against each other hoping to climb the social hierarchy, much like members of a Pyroar pride do.

While their unusual behavior is not fully understood, the Alolan government has placed restrictions on any large disturbances to the sacred mountain, as well as restrictions specifically on observing Froslass, Snorunt, or Glalie, due to the species's newfound endangered status. As of now, only 13 clans are known to still be thriving on Mount Lanakila, so conservation has become imperative. Perhaps in the future we will better understand this unusual species.

HTML by Dominatio.

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