species design exercise/warmup.

lizard-like marsupial with thick, scaly skin and a furry mane. scales are always a darker shade similar in color to their brighter and more vibrant mane. pupils are tiny and black, no iris. nostrils like a camel's that can close to protect against sand and dust. bipedal, but can run on all fours. fourth toe on feet that can be used for grabbing, like thumbs. prehensile tail. large, squarish muzzle.
culture is sun worshiping, as they live on a very bright, very hot desert planet. they are vegetarians. technologically advanced but honor their ancient culture. culture dictates it is taboo to speak directly to creatures of other (sentient) species. thus, some basic sign language is used for unavoidable communication.