There’s some really interesting options that could arise if Biome/Environment packs continue to show up as future DLC. As I’ve stated in other discussions, they allow for a number unique species from areas that would likely not get regionally-specific DLC in PZ’s future.
In particular, I really enjoy the idea of an
Islands Animal Pack. There wasn’t room for many island-endemic animals in previous region-based DLC (which for the most part were arguably more continental-based). Some interesting
habitat options for such a pack include:
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Fossa (one of Madagascar’s “headliner” species, a large mongoose-like species that fills the top predator niche of the island)
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Coconut Crab (it’d be our first and likely only habitat invertebrate! Additionally it is incredibly alien in appearance and behavior, truly different from anything else we’d see in PZ)
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Nene (Hawaiian goose species w/ a well-known conservation history, plus a much needed waterfowl rep)
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Lesser Mouse Deer (world’s smallest hooved animal, behaves more like a rodent than an ungulate)
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Tarsier species (there are multiple island-native species, all are equally weird in appearance and behavior)
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Kiwi (would finally add a small terrestrial bird species to PZ, additionally the Kiwi’s bizarre features and nocturnal nature make it a stand-out pick)
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Tasmanian Devil (highly-requested carnivorous marsupial that is totally unique from anything in-game. Also adds to our very small roster of Oceania/Australia species)
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Siamang (any gibbon species would be equally welcomed in PZ, though the Siamang was selected here for its iconic swelling throat pouch)
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Victorian Crowned Pigeon (Is the world’s largest surviving pigeon species and would be PZ’s first rep from the Columbidae Order. Is a largely terrestrial species that fits w/ current mechanics and is a beautifully plumed and colored bird)
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Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo (another highly requested marsupial species. Nothing currently in the game quite like it and there won’t ever be till we see a true tree kangaroo species)
Other intriguing options, if flight mechanics were implemented in PZ:
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Greater Bird-Of-Paradise (coming from a region known for its outlandish birds, this species is arguably one of New Guinea’s most well known birds. Has beautiful display feathers and could allow for some dance-like mating animations)
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Giant Golden-Crowned Flying Fox (picked this particular species because its the largest bat species on the planet, but any island-based fruit bat would be just as welcome)
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Blue-Footed Booby (like the Greater Bird-Of-Paradise, the Booby stands out in a region known for its unique wildlife. Its robotic-like movements and vibrant blue feet only add to its intrigue. Could honestly see this species functioning fine w/o flight mechanics but am playing it safe and putting it here for now. Would be a nice coastal option that pairs well with PZ’s only other Galapagos native, the Galapagos Tortoise.)
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Pelican species (there’s a host of pelican species found throughout the world’s various islands, and any would be a fine candidate to represent this highly requested bird family. Like the Booby, a pelican would function fine w/o flight mechanics but is put here for its debatable nature)
As for
exhibit species, there are hundreds of small island species that’d make visually unique options. Some off the top of my head include the
Tuatara,
Blue-Spotted Mudskipper,
Panther Chameleon, and
Lord Howe Island Stick Insect that was found already in PZ’s files.
Thought about also mentioning
sea turtles as an option, but I’m holding out hope Frontier may still have a Marine/Aquarium DLC up their sleeve and a sea turtle just seems to fit better there
