A creature I made for my comic Heartland.

The kirin, a fairly common animal that can be found roaming the surrounding areas of Heartland.

The first thing most people notice about them, besides their oddly positioned neck, is an assortment of fungi that grows on it's fur.

The fungi and the host kirin has formed a symbiotic relationship. The animal provides nutrient, and the perfect spot for the fungi to grow and reproduce, while the fungi acts as a much needed emergency ration in the harsh environment that the kirins live in.

However, the irony is that a kirin cannot eat the fungi on its own back, but only the fungi on other members of their herd. It is this altruism that fuels the unbreakable bonds between members of the same herd.

Kirins are surprisingly easy to tame, and many have already been tamed by a few brave Prospectors to help navigate the hostile environment. While the origins of the species are unknown, the docile nature of the animal hints at a close relationship between humans and kirin's ancestors.