Head

One of the more notable features about the Zykla are their ears.
Zykla ears are almost fox-like in nature, but they are much larger, sharper, and pointy-tipped. Their ears stand up stiff the majority of the time, extending up to two feet from their skull crown. Zykla have over twenty muscles that work to position their ears. Acting like pivoting trumpets, swiveling to pick up the slightest rustle. They can pinpoint the source of a sound much more accurately when they are stationary than when they are on the move.

So, they will often stop to listen more carefully. The Zykla have an observable operating upper limit of 60kHz. This is significantly higher than that of humans. Zykla also use the muscles in their ears to express a variety of signals to convey their moods and intentions. The muscles allow their ears to remain firm while standing erect, swiveling to lay half-mast behind their head, or nearly flattening and drooping rather low below the ear base.

The head of the Zykla can be angular or smooth depending on gender, but it always is reminiscent of a stock or herding canine. The snout is elongated up to 7 inches. Inside the snout are two rows of sharp and jagged teeth, some even hold twin sets of canine teeth making the bite of the Zykla especially wicked.

They possess a very strong bite, with almost 730 psi of bite pressure. When biting during times of extreme stress, Zykla jaws have a tendency to lock in place, the muscles clamping around a special ‘hinge joint’ that prevents the jaw from opening. It takes roughly an hour for the adrenaline levels to fade enough for these powerful tendons to relax, allowing the jaw to release.

The Zykla tongue is large, flat, and prehensile with an agile tip.
The flesh of a Zykla's gums and tongue range in various colors.
• Soft and Dark Flesh

• Pale pink to Pinkish gray

• Soft gray, Purple-gray, Dark gray

• Midnight black to Blue-black

• And even Spotted

Four tar glands in total reside in the Zykla's mouth, typically found in the back top corners of their roof and down by the base of their tongue. These glands can be removed with surgery if so desired. The tar itself is a viscous black liquid produced primarily from the resin of wood and roots in the Zykla's diet. The tar-like spit is used as a defense mechanism. When used, the tar will cling to the surface of the desired target. Not only is it an extremely thick and sticky substance, but it is also highly flammable.
Handy tips on removing Zykla tar from skin and fur:
• Allow the tar to dry and harden.

• Peel it gently from the skin. If the tar will not peel away, place some ice cubes in a bag and apply the bag to the tar.

• The tar should then harden enough to be peeled or chipped away.

• Wash the affected area with mild abrasive soap to remove the remaining stain.

• Apply an exfoliating scrub to the area if the stain persists.

• Rinse in warm water and pat dry with a towel.

Zykla have a rich vocal repertory; they emit about a dozen distinct vocalizations, most of which can be adjusted in various ways to alter their meaning to listeners. These are only a few known vocalizations and their meaning may vary depending on the individual Zykla and its situation with a non-Zykla.

Chirps

It is unclear what the 'chirping' signifies but under some observations. A chirping Zykla is either lost or extremely excited about something.

Reference

Cheetah

Distress

When angered or distressed, Zykla can produce a booming and guttural 'roar-bark'.

Maned Wolf

Nerves

Much like Zykla chirps, it is unclear if this 'laughter' is produced due to frustration, nervousness, or the Zykla is actually happy. Each Zykla uses this vocalization in various situations.

Reference

Hyena

Purrs & Coos

Much like the common cat, Zykla do purr when they are happy, content and pleased

Reference

Cheetah