Jackalope

The Jackalope is a small chimeric mammal that inhabits parts of the Earth Kingdom, including the vast Si Wong Desert. It was first seen in "Appa's Lost Days".

Anatomy
The Jackalope, for the most part, is identical to the common-day jackrabbit. Each Jackalope has a pair of long, sensitive ears, cleft upper lips and a short, tufted tail. The lagomorph also has two hind legs and a pair of leading feet that are elongated, with strong muscles that aid in leaping. Its distinguishing feature is the pair of antlers that protrude from its head, which easily associates the creature to the pronghorn antelope and the deer. The Jackalope is different from the Rabbit in the sense that it is much larger, and has stronger legs that allow it to leap farther distances. As the real life jackrabbit alters the color of its coat during the winter, it can be assumed that the Jackalope does the same when exposed to a different environment. As both jackrabbits and pronghorns are generalists, it is highly likely that the Jackalope is able to survive in most environments.

Connection
The Jackalope is the only animal in the series, other than the Dragon, that is based on a widely renowned mythological animal of the same name. Part of North American folklore, the Jackalope is said to be a fearsome critter, in the sense that it can kill when provoked. The myth of the Jackalope has bred the rise of many outlandish claims as to the creature's habits, such as the fact that it can imitate any sound, including the human voice. It is suggested that this ability is used to elude pursuers, chiefly through the use of phrases such as, "There it goes!" and "That way!" Legend also has it that female Jackalopes can be milked, and that the substance they secrete can be used for a variety of medicinal purposes. According to myths, the only effective way to catch a Jackalope is to attract them by leaving whiskey out at night. Its subsequent intoxication will make it relatively easier to hunt.

Behavior
The Jackalope will fight, by biting and kicking, though only when cornered or when violence is needed to protect young. Usually, however, Jackalopes depend on their speed and size to outrun and escape predators, primarily the Buzzard Wasp in the Si Wong Desert.

Trivia

 * The only Jackalope in the series was seen trying to eat a cactus plant, before being chased off by Appa. This suggests that the Jackalope has physical adaptations that allow it to consume cacti without being injured by the plant's protective throns.
 * The Jackalope is a real mythological animal, commonly seen in North American stories.