Vulcan's most famous predator, a large, fierce hunting cat with an orange or yellow diamond pattern along its back and rings of the same color on its tail. It has three-toed paws, large fangs, pointed ears, and long back claws. Its fangs and claws are poisonous; the poison sacs containing a le-matya's nerve toxin are located inside the central pads of its paws and at the base of its jaw.
Le-matya may reach a total body length of up to 3.5 meters over curves and weigh up to 380 kg. The average desert dwelling kind often found near Shi'Kahr and in southern Xial tend to be somewhat smaller (up to 270 kilograms).
One of the most fearsome feline predators in the Beta Quadrant, le-matya frequently attack multiple targets and prey larger than themselves (even a sehlat will prefer to avoid confrontation), and they will aggressively hunt down other predators that encroach upon their hunting grounds. When other prey is scarce, le-matya will often subsist on aylakim.
The presence of a le-matye is often presaged by its shrill screech, which can be heard from over 20 kilometers away in the desert.
Excerpt from the Starfleet Survival Guide:
Le-Matya prefer to inhabit hot, rocky desert regions, and are often found near volcanic formations and in rugged mountain terrain. They make their nests on high, rocky ledges and overhangs. If you encounter a Le-Matya nest that contains young cubs, do not touch them or any food nearby. Retreat from the area immediately. An adult Le-Matya will attack any creature it sees near its cubs.
Le-Matya tend to hunt near bodies of water, which act as a magnet for prey in hot desert climate. If you approach a body of water in a desert region and se no other creatures nearby, be especially attentive for for clues of a Le-Matya's presence, such as green or orange fur left on rock ledges or on sharp plant growths. Be particularly wary if the body of water is flanked by tall, rocky ledges or cave walls. Le-Matya prefer to attack from above, leaping down on their prey.
If you are in a group of people attacked by a Le-Matya:
- Note that a Le-Matya is easily distracted. It will shift attention from one target to another based on motion and the direction from which it was last attacked.
- Keep the Le-Matya off-balance by taking turns attacking it from a distance with thrown objects. Circle the creature constantly, and continue widening your circle until you have moved out of its territory.
If you are fleeing a Le-Matya, endurance is your best defense. Le-Matya are highly territorial and will not venture far past their hunting grounds.
If you are alone when attacked by a Le-Matya:
Inevitably, you may have to kill the creature in order to survive. Le-Matya kill even when not hungry, and if you are alone it may not permit you to retreat.
- If phasers are not available (or inoperable) arm yourself with a heavy, bludgeoning weapon. Vulcans have traditionally carried lirpas