I wouldn't call that cheating (As long as you make some things like random so you wouldn't know everything about the nicheling). I would like to see you continue. JUST WATCH OUT FOR THE STINKY FRUIT TREES. THEY WILL MESS YOUR GAME UP.
What about sandy colors? Or is beige enough? Because there's many animals with sand colored fur. Cheetahs, Servals, Horned Viper, Desert Monitor, Fennec Fox, ect.
Considering I've never really played any saves with any challenges, that is a great score! I've never had any normal tribes survive that long either...