New breed

day 1
I've set up shop near the tribe that occupies the northern caves close to the river. It's a fairly large group with what looks like 33 adults and 12 children of various ages.
To not get in their way too much, although they don't seem to mind my presence, I've placed my tent at the edge of the forest. From there I have a good overview of the caves and the large grass field up to the river.

day 2
To complete the picture for those not in the know, I'm part of the group of scientists who got chosen to explore this planet. I got recommended by my professor as I have a degree in zoology and knowledge in anthropology.
This was what's needed for the species I'm observing here. These creatures are unlike anything we've seen before. The rest of the life on this planet is in one way or the other similar to life on Earth, but these creatures don't come close.
They're large, standing on their legs they're almost as tall as the average human. Though they have no trouble standing upright, it seems they prefer to move around on all fours. Their faces are quite round, they have a black, triangular nose, very dark eyes, and they have fuzzy ears, some round, some a bit more like a dog or cat. The fur on the front of their torso seems short, at least compared to the fur on their back, legs and arms. At least, so far it looks like they have arms and not legs like most 4 legged creatures. Also, it looks like they have hands similar to humans. And they have a large tail. Try finding a lifeform like that outside the fantasy and science fiction books.
I hope to get a more complete look at their physique in the next days as the start of my observations.

day 3
What has us puzzled on this planet is the variation in each species. It's like there's a massive mix between what might be the core species. Could it be possible that interspecies procreation is highly successful here?
There's not much variation in this group though, but that might be because these creatures are fairly isolated compared to most other tribes. A couple of the other tribes being observed have shown more variation, and those were in closer contact with other species living in that area.

day 5
They're omnivores, eating both plants, fruit, and small mammals and the occasional bird. Thanks to them I've added some of their food to my own selection. Everything they eat I try first with a small bite. When it doesn't seem to affect me I increase the amount over time until I'm sure I can eat it as part of my diet.
That's why we sometimes gather food at the same time and place but they're not territorial about it. There's plenty anyway usually.
I have noticed that they learn quickly. Instead of eating berries straight from the bush, or breaking off a branch to take away, they started plucking them in the same way I do.
Especially one female has been watching me and mimicking my behaviour quite often. I noticed she's been sitting closer to my tent every day whenever I'm outside doing my observations.

day 9
She's been getting real close, and when I offered her some of my fruit she did accept it. Since then she's been sitting next to me when she's not out hunting and gathering.
I've named her Cloud, as she's completely white and fluffy and it seems she likes that name. This has also given me a chance to study her a bit upclose. Her fur's quite thick, as is the tail which is as large as her torso. She reminds me of cats as she enjoys it when I scratch her on her head and behind her ears. And the one thing that I though I saw was indeed true. This will freak out some people; she has breasts like a human! Hidden under the layer of her short fur, but large enough for underwear makers to design a line for these creatures. This would mean they don't have large litters of offspring, maybe just the 1 or 2. It would also mean they have little to fear from predators as their survival doesn't depend on large numbers.

day 14
She's become very affectionate towards me. It feels like she's adopted me and is now my pet. Only, pet like a cat is a pet as she does whatever she wants most of the time anyway. But she now sleeps next to me at night and joins me when I take a bath in the river or gather food. At that time she helps me fill up my bag as if we're doing the groceries together. I also introduced her to grilled meat and she hasn't touched full raw meat since.
As for water, they can swim in a doggy paddle way, and their fur seems to repel water when it's not disturbed and adds some buoyancy.
Her intelligence shows as she can unpack and pack any equipment I use. It's like I have an assistant now. It's quite a surprise because they're not tool users, which I would have expected if they can learn and pick up this behaviour this quickly.
 
day 22
Today I saw Cloud was approached by two males. It looked like they were looking for a mate because I saw other males go off with females lately. I think we're talking mating season here.
She seemed to be bothered though because it looked like she rejected them but they stayed close to her. I know I should only observe behaviour, even if it's not appropriate by our standards, but I felt I had to interfere. I aproached them and when she moved behind me it seemed to give a clear signal. They moved off, presumably to find a mate somewhere else.
Watching how she rejected them it looks like this species chooses a mate instead of relying on some sort of alpha male or chance encounter. There's more than just animal instincts at work here.

day 24
Cloud's acting a little nervous and I can even smell it, her faint scent. I was right about it being mating season, she's in heat for sure.

day 49
The males who have a mate have been more active lately. They're staying closer to their mates but also seem to take care of them more than usual. The females spend more time at the cave with the offspring and the males are going gathering more often.
It reminds me of the romantic novels where the man dotes on his girl, making sure she has everything she needs.
Cloud's a fast learner. She can count to ten now, she can't speak of course, but when I say a number she can point to the right card. And she knows the names of most of the stuff I have with me.
I've relayed this info to the others and they've started experimenting with individuals from their tribes.

day 96
By now I count 10 pregnant females. They've stopped going out altogether and their mates are doing all the work now.
I can feel the bulge growing slowly in Cloud's belly so interspecies procreation is a fact. I don't know what will happen, but I'll stay quiet for now towards the others.

So far from home, and still I've managed to become a daddy.