Jiralhanae

The Jiralhanae, commonly known as Brutes by humans, are a robust bipedal sapient species native to the planet Doisac and the last species to be incorporated to the Covenant collective. They are known for their incredible strength and durability, and are regarded by many as a savage species due to their territoriality, aggressive tendencies and tribal social structures. The Jiralhanae have an ancient mutual animosity with the Sangheili, originating from nearly a millennium of irregular conflict between the two species in the spinward side of the Orion Arm before the Jiralhanae's assimilation to the Covenant.

Biology
While now recognized independently-evolved aliens, the Jiralhanae have convergently evolved various characteristics commonly described by human xenobiologists as pseudo-ursine, simian and pachydermian. Early on into humanity's encounters with the Covenant, it was speculated that Jiralhanae may be related to terrestrial fauna - the most notable candidates brought forth were higher primates and bears. Alongside the dinosauroid Kig-Yar, this would make them the first potential examples of sapient out-of-place biota known to humanity. However, autopsies and DNA analysis quickly dispelled this notion, showing that the species has no direct link to Earth life.

Ethnic groups
In addition to the various ethnic groups already present across Doisac, various diaspora populations of Jiralhanae on other worlds have diverged from the species baseline. Notably, most Jiralhanae born on lighter-gravity worlds are taller and less physically robust than their Doisac-born counterparts, which — coupled with the homeworld's harsh conditions — is often used by Doisac Jiralhanae to justify their sense of superiority.