Disclaimer: What? Pokemon belongs to Nintendo? Oh darn.
A/N: Edited from its original version.
Common Name: Tyrogue, Balkie
Scientific Name: Certatus roseapueri
Description: Tyrogue are small, reptilian bipeds, standing 28 inches tall and covered with dull pink scales. These pokemon have white stripes on the torso and arms, as well as brown thighs and feet. Tyrogue have three digits on each limb, flat faces, and three bony knobs on the crest of their skulls, which are larger in males. They have protuberant cheek pouches, and red or yellow eyes.
Range: Today, Tyrogue are found only in Johto's Mortar Range, though they were once found in many areas of northern Johto.
Habitat: Tyrogue inhabit old growth forest. They will take dens from other pokemon for shelter, rarely making one themselves, and also shelter in Onix burrows.
Call: Tyrogue's voice is a high trilling gargle.
Diet: Tyrogue are omnivores, devouring invertebrates, fruits, nuts, and leaves, as well as the occasional Caterpie. When presented with large amounts of food, Tyrogue will often stuff the excess into their copious check pouches until their mouths are grossly distended, then carry it back to their den.
Life Cycle: Tyrogue are extremely territorial, and in spring males will fight each other after comparing crest size, often 'boxing' with clenched fists. Females living near males will mate with them, but only tolerate the male's presence for a few hours before chasing him away.
Tyrogue females lay 4-7 eggs and care for their young, feeding them insects and protecting them for two months. They are then on their own.
Tyrogue may live 15 years.
Relationship with Humans: Tyrogue are very sensitive to human disturbance, and often leave areas that are even lightly inhabited. However, they are often caught for battling, since they are extraordinarily strong for their size, and very quick learners. Due to these pressures, Tyrogue have become very rare, and are protected. Only male Tyrogue can legally be caught, which suits trainers, as the males are more aggressive than females. They are often bred in captivity.
Naturalist's Notes: Tyrogue are prey for many other pokemon, including Umbreon, Ekans, and Houndoom. This species is believed to be similar to the ancestors of other, larger pokemon, such as Hitmontop.